Labour says it would crack down on bad landlords

If it wins the next election, Labour could set up a national register of private landlords, along with tough penalties and a national rent standard.

The proposals are in a new policy review document called ‘Private Rented Housing: Improving Standards for All’.

Although the paper makes reference to “unscrupulous” letting agents and ending their “rip-off charges”, its proposals – now out to consultation – are solely aimed at landlords.

The proposed national register of private landlords would help local authorities to identify them, and would also be linked in with HMRC. The paper says that private landlords are currently estimated to be evading tax to the tune of £0.5bn a year on their rental income.

A new national private rented property standard would set a benchmark, with minimum standards for deposit protection and energy efficiency.  

Labour says it will also review how selective licensing schemes can be established, suggesting that it should be possible for councils to set them up more easily. The paper cites Newham Council for its blanket licensing of all private rental properties in the borough, and also Oxford Council for insisting on licensing of all HMOs in the city.

On sanctions, Labour says it will look at sentencing guidelines, and make efforts to stamp out ‘retaliatory evictions’. Landlords found guilty of serious criminal behaviour would be removed from the national register and be unable to operate as landlords.

Shadow housing minister Jack Dromey said: “The private rented sector has an important role in meeting housing need. But too many tenants are in poor and sometimes dangerous homes. That’s why Labour has set out proposals to drive standards up and bad landlords out. Bad housing harms health and dangerous housing can kill.

“We want to see all families enjoying a decent home, at a price they can afford. While the majority of landlords are responsible, there can be no place in future for homes that are damp, cold and unfit to bring children up, holding them back at school. We want to reform the sector so that it works for all.”

The proposals have had a mixed reception.

Ian Potter, of ARLA, said: “Of course we welcome the Labour Party’s latest policy review and share their ambition to improve standards in the private rented sector but these reforms need to be proportionate. More importantly, what we really need is actual policy not proposals.”

Chris Norris, head of policy at the National Landlords Association, said: “The NLA welcomes the Labour Party Policy Review’s focus on ridding the private rented sector of the criminal minority who blight towns and cities throughout the UK.

“However, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the initiatives discussed on levels of desperately needed investment in private housing. Too often the brunt of regulation intended to combat criminality and bad practice is borne by the professional majority, while a minority of rogue operators continue to evade detection and exploit vulnerable people.

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with politicians on all sides of the debate to identify genuine solutions to the challenges faced by those living and working in the PRS. We believe it is essential that the debate addresses the problems which exist in the housing market, without neglecting the positive role played by private landlords.”