RLA responds to BBC Panorama

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has written to the BBC to complain how landlords were portrayed in a negative light in the Panorama ‘The Great Housing Benefit Scandal’ programme broadcast earlier this month.

Despite previous assurances that a landlord representative would be heard on future editions featuring housing, the RLA says landlords were again depicted negatively.

RLA chairman Alan Ward has written a letter to challenge misconceptions within the show.

Ward asked for clarity on a number of points. Specifically, the type of property featured – a caravan park, a hostel, and a hotel – is not typical of the private rented sector. Additionally, the suggestion that local authorities do not have sufficient powers to tackle problems of poor standard in rented accommodation and that tenants have few rights.

Ward argued that if Panorama had invited a spokesperson for landlords onto the show they would have been reminded of the 100 Acts of Parliament containing 400 regulations affecting the private rented market.

However, this does not prevent some criminals posing as landlords to take advantage of vulnerable tenants…but like Ward said in the letter: “Regulations are useless without proper enforcement.”

You can read Ward’s letter here.

The RLA has not heard back from the BBC / Panorama as of Wednesday 29 April.