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February 2024
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MPs urged to back pragmatic changes to RRB Proposed amendments to the Renters’ Reform Bill have been backed by Sheldon Bosley Knight’s associate director, Nik Kyriacou. The changes, designed to give private rental sector (PRS) landlords more protection, were put forward by Anthony Mangnall MP ahead of the report stage of the Bill. Nik said they represented a “pragmatic approach” and were a “step in the right direction” to strike a balance between the rights of landlords and tenants. One of the most significant issues in the Bill is that of the abolition of fixed term tenancies. Mr Mangnall’s tabled amendment suggests tenants should be prevented from giving
notice to leave a property until they have occupied it for at least four months. Elsewhere he proposes allowing courts to consider evidence from neighbours in cases of antisocial behaviour by tenants and that the government publish a review into the operation of possession proceedings in the courts before Section 21 is abolished. Speaking to Landlord Times, Mr Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, said: “There has to be a sensible balance between the rights
of the tenant and the landlord. Unfortunately, at present, the Bill will disincentivise many long-term let landlords keeping their properties in the rental market. “Working with industry and tenancy groups, I have tabled a number of amendments which will help to address concerns about the Bill as it currently stands. Through addressing the risk of more long-term lets becoming short term, introducing a minimum notice period and advocating for fixed term
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