The Renters’ Rights Bill, which completed its passage through the House of Commons last week, now moves to the House of Lords, with its Second Reading scheduled for February 4.

The Second Reading provides the first opportunity for Lords to debate the bill’s key principles and purpose. Members may also flag concerns or highlight areas where they feel amendments are necessary.

Before the debate, Lords intending to contribute will add their names to a speaker list. The discussion will open with remarks from the government minister, spokesperson, or a responsible member of the Lords. This stage often reveals those particularly interested in the bill or specific aspects of it and who may play a key role in proposing changes during subsequent stages.

Second Reading debates typically last several hours but may extend over a couple of days. Once complete, the bill will proceed to the committee stage for detailed, line-by-line scrutiny and amendment discussions.

Although the Lords is broadly Conservative, the main provisions of the bill are unlikely to change significantly, as similar reforms were previously supported by the last Conservative government.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law this spring.