The top table of the National Residential Landlords Association has met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s team at Downing Street.

In addition to a string of specific issues,  chief executive Ben Beadle and policy director Chris Norris majored on rental reform – picking up on some recent toning down of the anti-landlord mood music by Housing Secretary Michael Gove.

Beadle says: “Our work on renters reform has been greatly bolstered by the welcome tone adopted by ministers at DLUHC about landlords. Given this, we are seriously concerned at the failure by other departments to do likewise.

“Most notably we saw the recent announcements on Right to Rent fines gave the impression landlords were to blame for those living in the country illegally, as well as statements on childminding in rental properties calling on landlords to be ‘open-minded’ – completely ignoring the fact there are a number of major barriers, including non-negotiable mortgage and insurance conditions.

“We want to ensure that the Government’s reforms to the PRS secure the confidence of responsible landlords. 

“However, nervousness in the sector will be compounded by the rhetoric coming out of other departments in Government, which could serve to crystalise a sense that the Government is using landlords as scapegoats for difficult policy challenges.

“We will continue to represent members at the very highest level to make sure changes brought in as part of renters reform are fair to both landlords and tenants.”

Other issues discussed by the NRLA include court reform to ensure possession cases are dealt with in a timely manner in the post-Section 21 era; and whether selective licensing need exist after the introduction of a property portal as envisaged in the Renters Reform Bill.