The Renters Rights Bill returns to Parliament today.
MPs will consider amendments from the House of Lords stage ahead of the legislation receiving Royal Assent.
Eddie Hooker, chief executive of mydeposits, described it as a “major turning point for the private rented sector.”
He said: “While the Bill does not change deposit law directly, the shift to open-ended periodic tenancies will alter how deposits are managed. Without fixed end dates, it becomes even more important that tenants and landlords understand the process for closing a tenancy and releasing the deposit.
“We will continue to ensure deposits are handled fairly and returned promptly when agreements end, whatever form those agreements take.
These changes will bring new responsibilities for landlords and fresh protections for tenants. What matters now is clear guidance and smooth implementation so that everyone understands their rights and obligations.
“We remain committed to supporting both landlords and tenants through this transition, ensuring that deposit protection continues to be a trusted safeguard for all parties.’
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said it would like to see at least a six-month lead-in.
The NRLA said in a statemetn: “Primarily, we want the Government to be clear and outline exactly when landlords will need to comply with the provisions in the Bill.
“Frustratingly it has remained tight-lipped on timeframes, with concerns landlords could be left in limbo, if the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law without information on when those new laws come into force. This will only serve to harm confidence in the sector.
“Landlords, like all businesses, need certainty so they can properly plan how to manage their businesses, and this is why the Government needs to move quickly to outline when the Renters’ Rights Bill will begin to take effect.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today