Watching Matthew Pennycook's performance in Parliament as he nodded through the Renters' Rights Bill, two things stood out: landlords are seemingly the only group that can be smeared without repercussions, and they were not given a seat at the table during the bill's creation.
The current system for private renting is broken.
This lack of input means landlords are being subjected to legislation that will significantly impact their businesses without their meaningful contribution. The portrayal of landlords throughout the bill's journey has been shocking, with the housing minister touting the bill's benefits for tenants while ignoring landlords' concerns.
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Author's summary: Politicians ignore landlords' concerns in Parliament.