The Renters Rights Bill – which completed its passage through the Commons last week – now has a date for its next stage in the House of Lords.

The Lords’ Second Reading of the Bill will be on February 4.

Second Reading is the first opportunity for members of the Lords to debate the key principles and main purpose of the Bill and to flag up any concerns or specific areas where they think amendments are needed.

Before a second reading debate takes place, Lords who would like to speak add their name to a list.

The government minister, spokesperson or a member of the Lords responsible for the bill opens the second reading debate.  Any member can speak during second reading – this stage can indicate those members particularly interested in a bill, or a specific aspect of it, and those who are most likely to be involved in suggesting changes at later stages.

Second reading debates usually last for a few hours but can sometimes stretch over a couple of days.

After second reading the bill goes to committee stage – where detailed line by line examination and discussion of amendments takes place.

Whereas the Commons has a heavy Labour majority, the Lords is broadly Conservative – however as the last Tory government wanted similar reforms, it is highly unlikely that the main provisions of the Bill will change radically.

The Bill is likely to become law in the spring.

The National Residential Landlords Association is leading a coalition of industry bodies objecting to the amendment concerning rent in advance, and is briefing peers about the potential impact of the change – arguing it will make it harder for certain groups of tenants to find homes to rent.