Thank you to all those who have contacted me about reforms to the private rented sector.

I have long supported calls for more rights and better protections for tenants, including an end to section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. I want the balance of power to be tilted towards renters, but I am concerned the Government is not acting with the urgency required, despite committing to introducing reforms to the private rented sector three years ago.

As you know, the White Paper on Renters’ Reform was published in June, including plans to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions. In early October, there were mixed messages about whether the Government would go ahead with its proposed ban and although there has been some uncertainty of late due to the change of leadership, my understanding is that it still intends to repeal section 21.

I support calls on the Government to avoid delay and bring forward the Renters’ Reform Bill as a matter of urgency. I understand that it is currently analysing feedback from a public consultation it ran on one of its proposals in the White Paper. While I appreciate that reforms need to be considered and properly scrutinised, I believe tenants need protections now.

That is why I am supporting calls for emergency legislation to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions. I am also supporting calls for a Renters’ Charter that would end automatic evictions for rent arrears; introduce a national register of landlords; make deposits fairer and more flexible; permit pets; allow tenants to make reasonable alterations to their home; require landlords to give four-month notice periods; and give tenants the right to request speedy repairs.

More widely, I have serious concerns that private renters continue to face rising rents alongside other increased costs of living. I want to see a serious plan from Ministers to keep people in their homes. The White Paper includes proposals to remove rent review clauses and limit rent increases to once per year, but I do not believe these measures are good enough.

I assure you I will continue to support efforts to press Ministers on protections for private renters.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.