Lack of laws is not the problem, according to the NRLA
While it supports the drive to ensure private rented homes are decent, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said that what is needed is an improved framework within which landlords can clearly demonstrate compliance with standards, backed up by robust enforcement of them.
Responding to the government’s consultation on applying the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, the NRLA pointed out that the standards expected of the sector are already in place.
“Standards in the private rented sector are improving,” Ben Beadle, chief executive at the National Residential Landlords Association, said. “That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.
“The Government’s plans should focus on making it easier for private landlords, tenants, and councils to understand what is expected of them by simplifying the almost 170 laws already affecting the sector.”
According to the NRLA, most landlords in the private rented sector are already following standards to provide decent homes, but there exists a misleading assumption that the sector is underregulated.
Read more: Next PM must end government ‘hostility’ to landlords – NRLA.
The largest membership organisation for private residential landlords reiterated that the problem lies not with a lack of laws, but about them not being properly codified, leading to confusion about what is expected, and tenants left struggling to understand the quality of accommodation before they move into it.
The NRLA added that mechanisms need to be developed to enable all types of landlords to demonstrate that the properties they let meet these standards.
It claims that private tenants and landlords are being let down by a failure on the part of local authorities to properly enforce the wide range of powers already available to tackle rogue and criminal landlords.
“In the end, all the laws in the world will do nothing without improved enforcement against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority,” Beadle said. “That requires properly resourced councils tackling the criminals and rogues, while allowing the responsible majority to easily prove their home is safe and compliant.”
The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee is beginning a public consultation to discuss the government’s proposals set out in its recent white paper, which includes a plan to introduce a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
