Analysis carried out by the Renters’ Reform Coalition has revealed that half of the top landlords among Members of Parliament in England are actively involved in efforts to amend the Renters (Reform) Bill. Notable MPs in this group include Nick Fletcher, Marco Longhi, Bob Blackman, James Gray, and Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown. They are part of a contingent of 40 Conservative backbenchers advocating for amendments that, according to campaigners, may significantly undermine the bill.

The proposed amendments, spearheaded by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, aim to introduce substantial changes to the bill. These changes include allowing the use of 'hearsay' evidence in eviction cases related to antisocial behavior, indefinitely postponing the bill’s implementation, and imposing a minimum six-month occupancy requirement for tenants before they can terminate their tenancy.

Additionally, the amendments suggest scrapping council licensing schemes designed to enhance housing standards and allowing the continuation of fixed-term tenancies through 'mutual agreement.' Critics argue that this move may disproportionately favor landlords during tenancy negotiations.

The Renters’ Reform Bill has already undergone modifications to address concerns raised by landlord associations. These adjustments include delaying the abolition of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions until judicial reforms are implemented and simplifying the process for landlords to evict tenants based on antisocial behavior.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove reaffirms the government’s commitment to banning no-fault evictions before the next General Election, a stance exceeding previous promises. However, the Renters’ Reform Coalition cautions against further concessions to landlord MPs, fearing a nominal end to no-fault evictions, granting landlords the ability to evict tenants at will.

The involvement of landlord MPs in amending the bill raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially given that 30% of the MPs supporting the amendments are landlords themselves. This figure significantly surpasses the 17% average among English MPs in the House of Commons.

Tom Darling, campaign manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expresses concern over the MPs’ actions, stating it is: “extremely concerning to see these MPs signing up to amendments that would render significant parts of the legislation pointless.”

He emphasizes the need for more comprehensive reforms to ensure longer tenancies, higher penalties for unethical landlords, and measures to prevent unaffordable rent increases, which can effectively act as no-fault evictions.