The Renter’s Rights Bill moves back to the House of Commons for debate on Monday, with some observers saying the much-delayed legislation will become law later this month.  

The wide-ranging Bill was introduced by Labour in September, who said during last July’s General Election, it would end no-fault evictions “immediately” if it won power. 

However, the legislation has become bogged down amid a flurry of parliamentary amendments since it was introduced.   

Its reforms include limiting rent increases to once a year, moves to end bidding wars, scrapping fixed-term tenancies, as well as banning Section 21 no-fault possessions.   

The legislation had been overseen by Angela Rayner, who resigned today as housing secretary, Deputy Prime Minister and as deputy leader of the Labour Party, over her tax affairs. 

However, commentators say several areas may still be altered at this late stage. 

These include greater flexibility for landlords who rent to students, reducing the restricted period for property investors to relet a property to six months from 12 months where a sale falls through, and whether landlords should be required to take out pet insurance. 

Propertymark argues that Ground 4A should be extended to all student properties, including one- and two-beds, and not just houses in multiple occupation. 

Currently, under Ground 4A, only landlords who own student houses in multiple occupation will be allowed to reclaim these homes to prepare for the next set of students for the academic year.   

A move to include all student properties “will provide greater stability for student lets and ensure a sufficient supply of student accommodation,” says the estate agent’s body. 

The association argues that a shorter restricted period for landlords to relet properties that were up for sale “would prevent much-needed private rented property from being left empty for half a year”. 

Propertymark head of policy and campaigns Timothy Douglas says: “Despite extensive campaigning from Propertymark and others, it is disappointing that the government haven’t accepted more changes to ensure the legislation is fair for both landlords and tenants. 

“However, MPs now have a final opportunity to retain the proposed changes passed in the House of Lords when the Renters’ Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons. 

Douglas adds: “These are practical amendments that ensure the legislation is fair and evidence-based.  

“They are vital to ensure the regulations aren’t overly restrictive, prevent a reduction in the supply of rental homes and do not drive up rent prices, which would make it even more difficult for people to find affordable housing.” 

However, letting agent software firm Goodord says the shape of the final Bill is almost settled and expects the legislation to become law as early as 16 September, when parliament breaks for the conference season.

Goodlord managing director of Insurance Oli Sherlock says: “Monday’s Commons debate is practically the last hurdle before the much-delayed and even more discussed Renters’ Rights Bill receives royal assent.  

“After Monday, there may be a period of performative ‘ping pong’ between the houses as the final details are ironed out, but we predict that the Bill will pass before parliament rises for conference season on September 16th.” 

Sherlock adds: “There are a few elements that remain undecided and which will be debated on Monday. This includes the details around pets in lets and whether tenants will be required to take out pet insurance to cover any potential damage.  

“However, we don’t predict any major surprises. As a rule, expect any government-backed amendments from the Lords debate to be approved by the Commons, and assume that the majority of opposition amendments won’t make it into the final version of the Bill.”