The ARL response to the Renters’ Rights Bill first reading

“The Association for Rental Living (ARL), the representative body for rental living sector in the UK including build to rent (BTR), welcomes the first reading of the Renters’ Rights Bill.  

“Whilst the ARL supports the intentions of the Bill in making the rental sector fairer for all, it is notable that from a tenants rights perspective, the BTR sector largely already accommodates the Bill’s proposals which are designed to improve the quality of homes and the rental experience.

“The ARL supports the abolition of Section 21.  However, we remain concerned over the ability of the courts to deal with the increased workload that will be created without Section 21, a point made consistently by the ARL with the previous Government calling for court improvements ahead of the legislation being passed.

“For over a decade, the BTR sector has attracted the highest calibre institutional capital from across the world having proved that it creates, maintains and professionally manages good quality homes, in the long term, for the benefit of customers, local communities and investors. Over 115,000 BTR homes are now completed, and a further 146,100 in the planning and delivery pipeline (Savills, July 2024).

“The ARL is delivering a BTR Code of Practice with the purpose of embedding a progressive and responsible culture in BTR, based on high ethical standards, providing good quality, professionally managed homes with the customer and community at its heart”. 

Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL