Join us every fortnight when we'll be taking a look at the UK housing headlines making the rounds. Breaking down the key information and giving you our thoughts!
New platform launched in parliament aims to make tackling rogue landlords easier
The My Housing Issue Gateway is a new online platform, developed by the TDS Charitable Foundation, designed to help private renters navigate the complex complaints process when facing issues with landlords or letting agents. The platform aims to simplify the complex enforcement system by guiding renters to identify the correct channels to resolve their problems and providing clear and accessible information on their rights in a user-friendly format.
Research found that many private renters struggle to find help when landlords fail to address issues, with 50% unsure where to find help and 69% expressing interest in a dedicated website for support. The Gateway, developed with input from government officials, tenant groups, landlords and legal experts will complement upcoming rental reforms and a planned database of private rented properties.
The TDS Foundation is urging the government to include the platform in the legally required How to Rent Guide. Experts and industry figures see it as a crucial step in improving communication, resolving disputes early and strengthening tenant protections.
A quarter of landlords consider selling up, but agents fear worse to come
A new poll suggests that a potential landlord exodus may still be on the horizon due to dissatisfaction with the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill. Whilst 74% of landlords say they are not currently considering selling their properties, 26% are (an increase from 17%).
Letting agents, however, are expressing greater concern. 67% believe landlords in their portfolios are preparing to sell, despite only 26% stating they are actively considering it. This disconnect highlights uncertainty in the private rented sector as legislative changes loom.
The poll was conducted during a webinar attended by over 1,200 landlords and agents, where many voiced concerns about the impact of the bill. Experts suggest that smaller landlords may be most likely to exit, potentially leading to a rental market dominated by fewer, larger landlords.
Despite concern of mass landlord sell-off, the majority remain in the market currently. However, shifting sentiment and regulatory changes continue to create instability in the sector.
Lumensol Says: “The instability in the sector will continue to negatively impact Councils and their provision of temporary accommodation. Smaller landlords offer greater flexibility in provision of accommodation and often better rental levels. The risk of them exiting the market may result in a loss of accommodation that is used by Councils, as well as increasing the number of homeless people who are no longer able to rent these homes.
These properties may well be bought up by larger landlords and then redirected towards asylum seekers that offer greater income for the landlords.
While the Renters’ Rights Bill is welcomed in the sector, more clarity about the impact on the wider market needs to be given to reassure landlords.
Anna Benbow, Executive Consultant