Propertymark has made a last ditch bid to influence the House of Lords before it debates the Renters’ Rights Bill yet again  today.

Over the weekend the trade body urged agents members to email Lords to encourage them to support Amendment 51, which would introduce an additional pet damage deposit equivalent to three weeks’ rent.  

The UK Government surprised the industry and pet charities by tabling amendments to remove the requirements for pet insurance prior to this current Report Stage.  

Propertymark wants to ensure that the amendment passes today to provide a better chance to help renters and safeguard landlords.

Propertymark says engaging with the UK Government can make a substantial difference as made evident last week when an amendment to remove the restriction of Ground 4A to student accommodation of three or more bedrooms only, was agreed to.  

Propertymark says that by working closely with Tory peer Baroness Scott of Bybrook, she successfully put forward an amendment to remove this restriction.  

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says:  “As the Renters’ Rights Bill heads towards the final stages in the House of Lords, we urge agents to continue to reach out to their Peers in the House of Lords to strengthen our calls as a collective and push for changes that will make the legislation work in practice. 

“We will ensure that we continue to closely follow the latest developments and engage with Peers and officials to guarantee the legislation and guidance are fit for purpose.” 

The final Report Stage debate will take place on Tuesday July 15, followed by the Third Reading in the House of Lords on Monday July 21.