Reform UK has pledged to scrap the Renters Rights Act, as it takes aim at legislation introduced under the Labour government.
In a speech on 24th February, Reform MP Richard Tice promised that a Reform government would target “well-intentioned legislation” that was having the “opposite effect.”
“We will repeal things that are unnecessary or against the strategic national interest,” said Tice.
“The Property Renters Act — well-intentioned but already reducing the supply of properties to rent and therefore increasing prices.
“We have to change course on all of these things.”
Tice also used the speech to target areas of legislation around net zero energy and employment rights.
Though there are no details on Reform’s website of any rental reform policies, a spokesperson for the party said if in power their government would draft a “Great Repeal Bill” to target “daft” regulations.
“While well-intentioned, this [Renters Rights Act] introduces unnecessary red tape that hinders growth, reduces the supply of rental properties and increases prices,” the spokesperson told BTL Insider.
"The Bill would be instrumental in driving growth and investment, as well as bringing down bills for consumers."
However, the remarks have already invited criticism.
Generation Rent has described the plans as “disgraceful” and a “gift” for unscrupulous landlords.
“Reform UK had nothing to say at the debates about the Renters’ Rights Bill when it was passing through Parliament,” said Ben Twomey, CEO at Generation Rent.
“They also haven’t spoken to renter groups like us about their plans, which would be a gift to unscrupulous landlords who are responsible for the poor conditions renters face right now.
“The public widely supports the new laws to protect us, so we urge Reform UK to show renters more respect and think again about what they are offering voters.”
Similarly, Mary-Anne Bowring, managing director at Ringley Group, has said any such repeal would benefit neither tenants or landlords.
“That said, we do believe that there are parts of the Act that do need amendment and further mitigation measures put in place ahead of May, but this needs to happen now and not following the next general election,” added Mary-Anne.
“The crux of the issue for many is the complete inability of the Tribunal system to cope with an overload of challenges to proposed rent increases, the limited recourse of landlord to regain their properties without lengthy court processes, and the bigger issue of landlords being squeezed out of the market by a blizzard of new policy and regulation.”
