After over a year of debates, analysis and early interventions from landlords and letting agencies alike, the Renters’ Rights Bill appears to have reached its final form before it achieves Royal Assent.

Following the third reading and the rejection of several amendments in an October House of Lords session, the Renters’ Rights Bill will largely take the same transformative form as it did when it was first introduced, for better and for worse.

This means that when the rules finally come into place, landlords will have to make a decision to stick or twist; should they stay the course and adapt their approach to the new legislation with or without professional help, or should they sell up?

We can help either way, but here is what to know about the failed amendments and the case for and against leaving the market.

Which Amendments Were Rejected?

There were several proposed amendments that were voted on and rejected, but the three biggest involved pet deposits, Ground 4A and failed sales.

The biggest and most contentious issue involved pet deposits; the rules surrounding pets were supposed to be tempered by a requirement for tenants to buy or put money towards insurance that covered pet damage, but this was scrapped without a replacement to protect landlords.

An alternative would have been to institute a deposit scheme equal to the cost of a week or two of rent set aside specifically for damage caused by pets, but it was rejected for being a second deposit.

As well as this, Ground 4A, the eviction grounds that allows for eviction of the grounds of a new academic year, was set to be amended to smaller properties with one or two tenants, which was also rejected.

The final major amendment was to the clause that punishes landlords for failing to sell a property after evicting tenants, forcing them to wait 12 months before reletting. The amendment would have reduced this to six months with proof of a genuine attempt to sell, but it was also narrowly rejected.

Other amendments include a clause to regain property to house a carer and one to force local authorities to consider the criminal standard when ascertaining damages for breaking new bidding and rental discrimination rules.

Should You Sell Up?

There are some concerns that have understandably surrounded the discourse when it comes to the Renters’ Rights Bill, and there are several landlords who are downsizing their portfolios or leaving the market entirely.

The changes to eviction rules and stricter requirements will lead to increased costs, which can squeeze some landlords past breaking point, as well as the looming fear of how the vast number of new rules will be enforced.

Should You Stay The Course?

However, whilst there will be some adjustment issues, many landlords will either not notice a difference or have already made preparations for the changes that they expected.

In some cases, selling up is not the right decision to make; instead, opting to work with professionals who can manage your property and ensure compliance will provide peace of mind and allow you to continue to supply housing for years to come.