Aug

Gove to speak at landlord conference – but will he reveal all about his reforms?

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Landlords hope housing secretary Michael Gove will update them on the Renters Reform Bill when he takes top billing at the NRLA’s national conference later this year.

The minister has signed up as keynote speaker at the one-day event, chaired by the BBC’s Clive Myrie, in Birmingham’s National Conference Centre on 24th October.

First proposed in 2019 and finally announced in May, the Bill is making slow progress through Parliament – now at the second reading stage – but will significantly impact landlords and tenants across England when it finally receives Royal Assent, probably next year.

More clarity

Gove could provide more clarity on the strengthening of Section 8 evictions if landlords have a legal reason to end a tenancy early and the new mandatory grounds when their circumstances change. Many are also unclear about when they could reasonably deny a tenant’s request for a pet under proposed changes to the current law.

Other areas up for debate are the creation of a mandatory ombudsman – known as the landlord redress scheme – to oversee disputes between landlords and tenants outside courts and possible mediation services, as well as a new property portal.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle (pictured) says the event is for all those with an interest in the private rented sector.

He adds: “Most importantly though, it is an ideal opportunity for the Secretary of State to set out his plans to ensure a thriving private rented sector. I hope that he will also be informed by the views of the 500-plus landlords and letting agent delegates already signed up to attend, who are doing great work in difficult circumstances.”

The day will also give attendees updates on mortgages, investment and finance, and briefings on many other industry-relevant topics. Places are still available.

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