Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns has called on the UK Government to retain the option of fixed-term tenancies in the private rental sector where it is mutually beneficial for both parties. 

Propertymark was the only membership body for property agents represented at the first sitting of the Public Bill Committee on Tuesday 14 November 2023 regarding the Renters Reform Bill. 

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, presented evidence to MPs where he talked about Propertymark’s concerns as a sector. 

Douglas stressed the need for tenants to have more choice and ‘have the option to rent on a fixed-term or periodic tenancy’ and said there needs to be more ‘flexibility’ in the system, especially when it comes to student letting.  

He also drew attention to how ‘the existing redress schemes for lettings agents need to be improved alongside requirements for landlords to have redress.’ This includes ensuring the schemes adjudicate in the same way, work to statutory code of practices and they ‘have more power to take action and issue fines.’