A prominent lettings agent is warning Labour not to overdo its private rental reforms, heaping change upon change on landlords.
Labour’s conference begins on Sunday and Allison Thompson – chief lettings officer of the Leaders agency – says: “Our wish for Labour Party Conference is for the Government to make access and supply the priority as it moves into the next stages of reform, and to look at the cumulative impact of the changes being introduced rather than considering each measure in isolation.
“We need to watch closely how some of the new rules are working in practice. The restrictions on rent in advance, for example, removed an option that was previously used by some people who could afford the rent but could not demonstrate a conventional UK income, including international students and people moving to the UK.
“If those tenants are now finding it harder to secure a home, Government needs to consider what alternative routes could give landlords the reassurance they need without weakening the protections the legislation was designed to provide.
“There also needs to be a clear and practical path through the reforms still ahead.
“We now have a timetable for the PRS Database and greater clarity on the Decent Homes Standard, but important detail is still to come on measures including the Landlord Ombudsman and the extension of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. Landlords need sufficient notice and workable guidance, particularly where new requirements will require investment in their properties.
“Above all, Government needs to consider what all of this means for supply. Taxation, regulation, energy efficiency and property standards collectively influence whether landlords invest, remain in the sector or sell. Stronger standards and protections for tenants matter, but they need to sit alongside a policy environment that gives responsible landlords the confidence to continue providing homes.
“The success of these reforms should ultimately be measured by the rental market they create: whether tenants can access good-quality homes, have sufficient choice and are properly protected, while responsible landlords can continue to invest in providing them.”
