The government has agreed to a change in the Renters Rights Bill that exempts certain shared ownership properties from a key protection.

The Bill—now poised to become law after clearing its final stage in the Commons—introduces a 12-month protected period at the start of a tenancy. During this time, landlords will be barred from evicting tenants in order to sell the property or move in themselves.

Lord Young had told a Housing industry publication: “The group of shared owners that this amendment seeks to protect are principally those who bought a flat in a block that needs remediation but who have subsequently had to move.

“Normally, a shared owner would sell his or her share in the block, but because of the difficulties of selling in a block that needs remediation – because of the safety issues post Grenfell – that has often been impossible, so they have had to sublet.

“Here comes the distinction from all the other landlords: shared owners cannot sublet without express consent from their registered provider, because subletting is banned from their leases.

“Such consent already gives robust protection to their tenants. Registered providers control and approve the rent that is being charged, in line with guidance set by the government, so shared owners cannot evict a tenant simply to jack up the rent.”

In the same piece the publication quotes a spokesperson for an independent online platform for shared owners, first-time buyers and housing professionals Resources, said: “It is welcome that shared ownership leaseholders who are accidental landlords will be exempt from the 12-month ban on re-letting if a sale of their property falls through.

“However, for many people, subletting may not be a desirable long-term solution to difficulties in selling their shared ownership property.

“The government should review the success (or otherwise) of existing exit routes from the scheme, and consider whether buyback should play a greater role.”

No timeline yet for the rollout of Renters Rights Bill provisions, as Government delays decision on implementation date.