A statement on the National Residential Landlords Association’s website says the group has had talks with government over rental reform.

The long-awaited White Paper – recently pushed back from this autumn to sometime next year – is expected to include changes to Section 8 and Section 21 eviction powers, and the deposit system.

Now it’s been revealed that housing minister Chris Pincher has met with NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle to discuss the White Paper as well as Covid-related issues.

The NRLA quotes Bradley as saying: “It was a very useful meeting with the Minister, who agrees that private landlords have an important role to play in meeting the country’s housing needs.

“I made it clear that if landlords are to remain in the private rented sector they need support – and took the opportunity to discuss our shadow white paper, which outlines positive changes that can improve the sector without the burden of increased legislation.

“We also talked about ways to ensure the £65 million of funding that we secured to help tenants pay off Covid-related arrears gets to those who need it most, and will be working with the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities to get the message out there.”

The association is campaigning for five key reforms to be included in government plans.

Firstly, clear and comprehensive grounds for possession, including clarity over how landlords can make business decisions that affect tenants, such as selling the property, moving in, or making substantial changes.  

Secondly, improved access to dispute resolution and the development of a new landlord/tenant conciliation service to reduce cases ending up in court.

Thirdly a redress scheme for the entire lettings sector which can improve compliance by linking to the Unique Property Reference Number – making calls for a separate national register of landlords redundant.

Fourthly, a review of enforcement with adequate funding for councils to enforce the wide range of powers already available to them to tackle criminal landlords. 

Finally, lifetime deposits. The NRLA says: “It is vital that the new system in no way discourages landlords from making valid claims for damage to properties. Landlords cannot be expected to give up their right of recourse to a security deposit until such time that they are satisfied there will be no need to make a claim against it.”