The government is seeking to restrict how much landlords can demand up front from tenants, in its latest proposals for the Renters Rights Bill.
If passed, the bill will restrict landlords from requesting any up-front payments from tenants that exceed two months’ rent.
The government is also proposing that, within 12 months of the bill passing into law, a review will be conducted into tenancy deposit schemes and deposit requirements in general.
In response, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has criticised the proposal which it argues will disadvantage landlords’ ability to gain assurances from tenants.
“In the end those who will suffer most are those the government most wants to help,” said Chris Norris, policy director at the NRLA.
“Ministers must provide clarity on how tenants unable to easily demonstrate their ability to afford and sustain their tenancies should do so.
“Expecting landlords to take on high levels of risk without practical assurances is not a sustainable solution and risks further exacerbating the challenges in an already constrained market.”
The bill is next set to be scrutinised by MPs on 14th January.
