Tory MPs threaten renters’ rights reform

Dozens of Conservative MPs are still threatening to vote against Government plans to strengthen renters’ rights despite successful efforts to water down the legislation.

The Renters’ Reform Bill will return to the Commons next Wednesday after negotiations between ministers, officials, and Tory rebels.

The legislation is intended to reinforce the rights of more than nine million privately rented households across England and Wales. But nearly 50 Tory MPs – more than a dozen of whom are landlords – argue that it will “dry up the rental market”.

Amendments to the bill include delaying a ban on Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, which allow landlords to evict tenant at short notice without reason. Others include a ban on renters giving notice until they have lived in a property for at least six months, strengthening rights for tenants to reclaim their rent, and greater support for those who become homeless.

i understands that Anthony Mangnall, the MP for Totnes who is orchestrating Tory opposition to Bill, is still encouraging rebels to vote against the reforms. He did not respond to requests for comment.

Tom Darling, of the Renters’ Reform Coalition campaign group, said: “The idea that there still might be a pro-landlord rebellion is so absurd you almost have to laugh.”

Labour, which has pledged to ban no-fault evictions, offered to help Housing Secretary Michael Gove to pass the Bill but Rishi Sunak is understood to be determined to avoid a backbench rebellion on the issue. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was contacted for comment.