Residential Landlords Association (RLA) chairman Alan Ward has updated members on the association’s current campaigns.
He said the RLA’s lobbying and representation on behalf of landlords has never been stronger. Firstly, following a frank meeting with government minister Mark Harper a week ago, the RLA had a letter from him to say he would make an amendment to the Immigration Bill. This success alone will ensure landlords are able to continue collecting rent or regaining possession should they not carry out the correct procedures for checking tenants after next April.
“Welsh government will bring in registration of landlords and property licensing – depending on the next general election this could be a precursor to changes throughout England. RLA is lobbying hard to ensure the policy is fair and not unreasonable. In the world of politics, total opposition is not always possible,” said Ward.
At council level the RLA has opposed every selective licensing scheme – and occasionally find success, as in Bournemouth where the decision was made not to go ahead. Meanwhile Manchester has not renewed its scheme. The RLA is also working with more than 130 councils to improve landlord communications.
On other issues Ward said:
“RLA has been working across the industry to resolve the legal mess resulting from the Superstrike decision about deposits taken before April 2007. We are pressing DCLG for early legislation.
“Universal Credit forms a major part of our work. We continue to press DWP to give information to landlords about the progress of claims; the trigger point (as it is called) for switchback (direct-payment) of claims underpaid; their definition of arrears.”
Last week the RLA published a report by Prof Michael Ball on Longer Tenancies – countering Shelter’s proposal for a five-year tenancy in which landlords would only get two months’ notice from tenants. Another report is due from prof Ball on the impact of private rented sector (PRS) regulation.
The RLA is also dealing with the DECC concerning “the mess” around Green Deal and especially the Consumer Credit Act, which currently means landlords have to sign up then transfer to a tenant.
The RLA held four fringe events at the Labour and Conservative party conferences this year – reaching out to the political activists and other lobby groups. RLA also provides the secretariat for the influential All Party Parliamentary Group for the PRS at Westminster
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