Muted welcome for latest review of private rental sector

The Residential Landlords’ Association has welcomed the new Rugg Review into the state of the private rental sector - but few other figures in the industry have commented on the surprise announcement.

The last Rugg Review - so-called because it was led by Julie Rugg at the Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York - was back in 2008. A new analysis of the private rental sector, funded by the Nationwide Foundation, was announced this week, will again be led by Rugg, and is expected to report in the second half of 2018.

The RLA says the sector has changed almost beyond recognition since that time.

“Any independent report which helps us better understand the sector is most welcome. The 2008 review was a well-respected piece of work, but much has changed since then and the RLA looks forward to working further with the authors to share members’ experiences and explore the best way forward to make renting better for landlords and tenants alike” says RLA chairman Alan Ward.

A comprehensive report on S24 of the Finance (No2) Act 2015 - which led to the imminent reduction in mortgage interest tax relief for landlords - has already been sent to Rugg’s team by campaigning website Property118.

“Julie Rugg is considered by many in the sector to have produced balanced reports on the private rental sector in the past and it is hoped the above report will be taken into close consideration” says the website.

However, there have been few comments about the new review from elsewhere in the private rental sector about a review that may be a major influence on the lettings industry once it is completed.