The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for positive changes to eliminate rogue landlords from the rental sector.
As a member of the Lettings Advisory Board, the NRLA has contributed to recommendations to the government, and it has described the plan for a new landlord database as ‘an opportunity to create transparency of property safety and drive rogue landlords from the sector’.
The association said it supports proposals to raise standards, with the caveat that they do not create excessive red tape for landlords.
The Lettings Advisory Board, established by property portal Zoopla, consists of key industry stakeholders who discuss ways to improve the private rented sector for landlords, tenants, and related businesses.
The board has sent a letter to the new government, outlining proposals to:
- Raise standards by levelling the playing field for those letting and managing rented homes.
- Safeguard the quality of accommodation.
- Help tenants know the property they are renting is safe.
- Help regulatory authorities in identifying those who do not meet the required standards.
The letter emphasised the importance of industry input in designing the landlord database to ensure it achieves its goals and aligns with the ambition for a decent homes standard for private rentals.
The letter also noted that a database accessible to property portals and lenders could enable automated regulation and enforcement, allowing local authorities to concentrate on properties lacking required safety certificates.
Meera Chindooroy, the NRLA’s deputy director for campaigns, public affairs and policy, said: “We are committed to raising standards and driving rogue and criminal landlords out of the sector and – implemented in the right way – the new database can help do that.
“We know from our own research that the approach to enforcement varies across local authority areas. The new system has the potential to challenge these disparities in a simple and affordable way, allowing councils to focus on identifying and dealing with landlords who are not compliant.
“The NRLA has already met with housing minister Matthew Pennycook and will work constructively to bring about fair and workable reform that will allow the government to meet its commitment to tenants while supporting responsible landlords and encouraging investment.”
The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to be published later this year.
