The Renters Reform Bill has now passed all of its House of Commons stages, with amendments – as almost every Bill has as it is discussed with MPs.

It now goes through a process similar to that which took place in the Commons, namely:

– First reading: The bill arrives in the Lords. This stage is a formality where the bill name is read in the chamber;

– Second reading: The main debate on the purpose and key areas of the bill. At this stage members discuss any concerns or specific areas where they think changes may be needed. There are usually no votes (divisions) at this stage;

– Committee stage: Detailed line-by-line scrutiny of the text with amendments (suggested changes). Members start at the front of the bill and work through to the end. Votes may take place to decide whether to make the changes. Any member may take part and there is no time limit;

– Report stage: A further opportunity to examine the bill and make changes. More amendments are debated and further votes take place to decide whether to make the changes;

– Third reading: A ‘tidying up’ stage, aiming to close any loopholes. A final chance for amendments and votes;

– Consideration of amendments: If the Lords has made changes to the draft law, it is sent to the Commons to agree. The Commons may accept the Lords change, make its own change in its place, or reject it. Any Commons changes are sent back to the Lords. There may be several rounds of this process, known as ‘ping pong’;

– Royal Assent: When both Houses have agreed the text, the bill is approved by the monarch and becomes a law or ‘Act of Parliament’

No date has yet been set for these stages.