A prominent lettings sector expert is blaming the media for anti-landlord sentiment and a rise in tenancy disputes.

Gina Peters, Head of Landlord & Tenant at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, says she’s also seen a rise in ‘housing disrepair experts’ painting many landlords as ‘non-compliant’, in order to market their services.

Peters says: “This is very much a case of perception versus reality, with the media creating this story that all landlords are not to be trusted. Most landlords are in fact compliant but lack support from the Government.

“Due to little funding and incentives for the industry, yes, we have seen a rise in disputes. The Government has created a very hostile environment, with the intended abolishment of Section 21 causing an increase in notices being served, more landlords selling up their portfolios due to financial pressure and uncertainty, and little to no support to make  properties more energy efficient and safer for tenants. This together with a rise in these new anti-landlord style companies for tenant disputes, have led to a belief that many landlords are failing to comply with the legalities of renting property in England.

“Local authorities who would normally investigate these claims and disputes are underfunded and under-resourced. There are now many licence schemes in place, which differ in each borough and can catch landlords out unintentionally.

“With the rise in these new style tenant-oriented companies it is painting, in many cases, a landscape that suggests landlords are there to be sued. Many of the applications that these new companies are handling can be made to the First Tier Tribunal by tenants themselves as there are no costs to be gained from such action from a landlord.

“I accept that some tenants may not be aware of their rights, but there is a fine line between providing legal advice and jumping on the bandwagon to ensure landlords are sued at the first hint of non-compliance.  It is not helping the overall landscape within the private rented sector.”

Peters has advised clients through the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Housing Act 1988 and 1996, and the Deregulation Act 2015 – and now the 2023 Renters Reform Bill.