Agency warns government - don’t forget small scale ...

A leading lettings agency has warned the government not to forget the importance of small-scale landlords in its plans for the private rented sector.

Andrew Jones, group director for lettings and Build To Rent at Leaders Romans Group, says last week’s launch of a consultation process at improving housing standards in the private rental sector is a continuation of government plans to professionalise this kind of tenure.

He adds: “But it is very important that in introducing major reforms, the government does not penalise the vast majority of landlords who are already operating honestly and responsively, in what can be a very difficult market - especially in view of rising interest rates, increased regulations and concerns about a potential recession.

“The private rented sector has potential for continued further significant growth - for the increasing number of Build to Rent operators and developers; for the owners of office buildings and shops who are increasingly looking to redevelop these into residential focused corporate portfolios , and for additional opportunities for existing corporate and individual landlords to grow to meet current demand in the market.

“At a time when many people are choosing to rent for a multitude of reasons, it would be detrimental to families up and down the country if regulations were increased unnecessarily.

“We encourage all landlords and lettings agents, along with tenants, to take part in this important consultation.”

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities has launched a consultation on introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, which would mean landlords are legally bound to make sure a property meets a reasonable standard.

This already applies in the social housing sector and the government says that the aim is to ensure all landlords in the private rented sector meet similar standards.

The consultation asks whether privately rented homes should be required to be kept in a good state of repair with efficient heating, suitable facilities, and free from serious hazards like major damp or fire risks. It also seeks views on how they should be enforced.

The consultation will run for six weeks: you can see it here and comments should be submitted by 11.45pm on October 14.