Housing Secretary Michael Gove says a healthy private rented sector is a “critical” part of the housing market.

The comments came as he addressed members of the National Residential Landlords Association at its annual conference this week.

Speaking shortly after MPs debated the Renters Reform Bill, Gove told the conference that “the overwhelming majority of landlords provide an invaluable service”. 

He went on to reiterate the importance of ensuring courts process legitimate possession cases more swiftly before section 21 ends.

Taking questions from NRLA members he agreed with the Association’s concerns to protect the yearly cycle of the student housing market when fixed term tenancies are ended.  

He went on to outline the Government’s opposition to rent controls, citing the negative impact they have on the supply of homes to rent. He continued by declaring “they are not just an intervention too far, but completely the wrong approach”.

The event also saw the Chair of the cross-party Housing Select Committee Clive Betts MP address the audience. In his remarks he declared that: “The evidence from the NRLA stacks up and we respect it, value it, and take account of it, seriously”.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, comments: “With a record number of delegates, this year’s conference has been the NRLA’s best yet.

“We were delighted to hear the Secretary of State set out how he will ensure changes work for the sector as a whole, and the recognition the NRLA’s evidence-based research received from the Chair of the Select Committee.

“Most of all, the event was a reminder of why we do what we do, to ensure the rental market genuinely works for responsible landlords and tenants.”