A prominent industry analyst has hit out at the Renters Rights Bill, saying it is an attack on the “entire UK property market.”

Doug Shephard, director at Home.co.uk, stated in the company’s latest monthly sales and lettings market monitor that the Renters Rights Bill could be the measure that kills off the private rental sector.

He details the measures in the Bill, describing the proposed ban on Section 21 evictions as “particularly contentious” because even though most landlords have never used the power, many view it as a crucial safety net. 

He goes on to say: “Another big issue for landlords is the notion that the legislation states they can’t act on rent arrears before three months are up. During this period a landlord could easily slide into financial difficulty. They then find that they can’t evict the tenant for non-payment before they themselves become bankrupt. 

“The Renters’ Rights Bill will not improve the lives of tenants; more likely, it will worsen their plight. It is in fact an attack on landlords’ fundamental property rights and therefore an attack on the entire UK property market.”