Propertymark has arranged an urgent webinar for member lettings agents for this afternoon, to discuss the government’s Renters Rights Bill.

Notice of the event was given at the start of the weekend – the webinar is happening at 4pm today.

A statement over the weekend from the trade body says: “Although the new Renters’ Rights Bill needs to fully work its way through the parliamentary process, it will bring vast amendments to current laws and will fundamentally change how many aspects of the sector function. It remains vital to see greater protection and improved standards, but any changes must be implemented in a fair and balanced way to avoid unintended or detrimental effects on the sector.

“… There must be key considerations such as how the proposed abolition of Section 21 will affect the court system and how this can be mitigated to avoid adding a vast additional burden on an already pressured system. In addition, it is important that attention is paid to creating a fair taxation structure for landlords that both supports and encourages ongoing investment to keep pace with ever growing demand.”

The statement says that Propertymark is keen to see new legislation maintain a strong provision regarding fixed term tenancies, which it regards as essential for the security of both tenants and landlords equally, especially considering the impact this could have on landlords potentially converting their attention to the short-term lettings market.

Propertymark’s event this afternoon is at 4pm and will be hosted by Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns, and joined by Jan Hÿtch, Lettings Help Line Manager, and Valerie Banister, former ARLA Propertymark President.

The body says it’s keen to communicate the proposals contained within the new Bill to lettings agents “to help ensure there is strong understanding, as well as full representation from an agent’s viewpoint, as the Bill works its way along to becoming stamped into law.”

And chief executive Nathan Emerson comments: “The Renters Rights Bill represents one of the biggest evolutions of law for the rental sector in many decades and it is essential lettings agents are powered with robust information to help them navigate forthcoming changes. It is crucial there is strong stakeholder engagement from within the industry to ensure all new proposals are practical, objective and fit for purpose. It remains vital there is healthy engagement with the UK Government to help strike a fair and workable balance between tenants, agents and landlords.”

You can book a place at the webinar here: www.propertymark.co.uk/careers-learning/events-calen