The Renters Rights Bill has cleared its final stage in the House of Lords and is now on its way to the Commons for a final debate after the summer recess.

It passed through the Lords’ Third Reading earlier this week, with discussions lasting just 20 minutes.

Baroness Sharon Taylor, representing the government, told Peers: “I believe that we are in broad agreement that this Bill is long overdue and are looking forward to it making a real difference to the people who rely on the sector to live and work. While there may be disagreement on some of the issues that we’ve debated, I know we all share the same aim of ensuring the private rented sector continues to work for all.”

Once MPs return to work in September so-called ‘ping pong’ begins, with any differences between the Commons’ version of the Bill and that amended by the Lords will be resolved – and given the size of the Labour majority in the Commons, this is likely to be in favour of government-approved changes only.

Nonetheless Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, comments: “Throughout the passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill through the House of Lords, Propertymark’s campaigning has made a difference in ensuring that the Bill is more practical for letting agents, landlords, and tenants. 

“These include securing pet damage deposits and student tenancy safeguards. 

“However, before the Bill heads back to the House of Commons to be reviewed after the summer recess, as it is due to deliver some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in decades, Propertymark urges MPs to consider the implications this Bill could have on fixed-term tenancies and the impact it could have on the shrinkage of supply in the private rental sector.”