A rental law specialist states that Labour has made a strong and positive start in its handling of the lettings sector.

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The Head of Property Lettings and Revenue at a UK wide solicitors, Gina Peters, was highly critical of the Conservatives’ Renters Reform Bill but is uncertain of the amendments that could be introduced into Labour’s revamped version; however she is still very positive with the new government’s administration.

She applauds the appointment of the new housing minister Matthew Pennycock and says: “Pennycook is a very sensible appointment. With a background in the charitable sector before coming an MP, he has been very involved in the former government's Renters Reform Bill, publicly scrutinizing the detail and tabling many amendments, so this is a man who can hit the ground running with knowledge and experience.”

But she does have reservations regarding Labour’s new Renters Rights Bill, she says: “The proposed legislation is not dramatically different in its early mention and, whilst designed to protect the tenant, there will be changes to assist the landlord.

“These include expanded possession grounds for landlords to reclaim properties when they need to, as without section 21 this is the only route to possession that landlords will have.

"However, these new grounds are critical in regaining the confidence of landlords in the private rented sector. I am not expecting any changes to the grounds to be as ‘generous’ as they may have appeared in the original Renters’ Reform Bill, and this could be problematic.”

However on the whole Peters says that after so many delays, the watering down of the proposed Renters Reform Bill and the previous government’s failings in any form of consultation or engagement, Labour has made a very strong start in regard to the private lettings sector: “I have been impressed by the speed at which the new government has addressed the issues that that have been the source of nervous speculation and anxiety in the lettings market for many months, but we have heard grand declarations of intent before.

“Whilst the intention and objectives are clear from a lawyer’s perspective this changes nothing until the Courts resources are invested in.

“Whilst there has been mention of a review of the justice system for possession cases before the abolition of section 21, this leaves the new government in the same predicament as the former. A report from the Lord Chancellor was proposed, but without deadline or detail.”

She is now calling on the government to provide a timetable of action backed with clarification of its intentions.

“Only that will end the uncertainty that has seen landlords flee the marketplace and reduce the number of homes available to people in need, with consequential rent increases.