Government rules for rental market ‘unworkable'

The Government's latest proposals for the UK Private Rental Sector (PRS) have been deemed ‘unworkable' by the National Landlords Association (NLA).

The plans include a website based on the Trip Advisor model, which allows holidaymakers to post comments about hotels and resorts and rate them accordingly.

The idea is that tenants will post feedback about the rental properties and landlords they deal with, while landlords post comments about their tenants.

The NLA pointed out that the site would have to be so carefully monitored to prevent libel and inappropriate content that it would simply be impossible.

It also claimed that such a site would not offer a true reflection of the sector, as people are naturally more inclined to write about negative experiences than good ones.

The Government has also confirmed its intention of implementing a National Register for Landlords aimed at giving tenants information on the track record of prospective landlords including the condition of their properties and how quickly they fix any faults.

The NLA said this proposal will fail in its stated aim of weeding out dodgy landlords, and would simply scare away more prospective buy-to-let landlords, which the country desperately needs as demand for quality private rented property grows.

An increase in the limit for Assured Shorthold Tenancies from £25,000 to £100,000 per year and full regulation of letting and managing agents was also proposed.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said:

"Very little of what we have before us recognises the value of the majority of good landlords who work tirelessly in the provision of decent and affordable housing solutions.

“Landlords could be forgiven for thinking that this latest round of measures is little more than landlord-bashing by the Government."