Briefing: Renters' Rights Bill Report Stage - Amendment NC3 (rent in advance)

Many tenants are asked to pay rent upfront at the beginning of their tenancy, creating a
significant barrier to finding a privately rented home. 59% of private renters reported having
to pay rent in advance to secure a property, with some facing demands for 6 months or more
upfront. This has proved an impossible challenge for 835,000 tenants, who said the demand
prevented them from securing a property in the last 5 years. In some circumstances, rent in advance
requests act as a deliberate, upstream strategy to discriminate against certain
groups in a covert way. Women, families, benefits claimants, and people with a disability are
less likely to be able to afford rent in advance requests.

This amendment (NC3) to the Renters' Rights Bill is a simple yet effective way to level the playing field, ensuring access to private rented homes is accessible and fair for everyone.