Deep Insight
Private Rented Sector trends
These blog posts are written to prompt discussion and debate about the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the UK.
The posts provide more detail on trends which emerge in our analysis of datasets in the Observatory. They also highlight specific topics and comments landlords make in our regular or occasional surveys.
Academics, policy makers and practitioners also make regular contributions to the blog.
Landlords stepping up to help tenants cope with rising utility costs
This blog post reports on the NRLAs survey of over 2,000 tenants in the PRS. There is a focus on the impact rising utility bills have had on tenants and their household budget. It finds that when tenants raise concerns with their landlord, many will actively support tenants - a reality which contrasts to media coverage of the sector.
Yet another problem! The PRS confronts inflation and interest rates
This post looks at the severity of the impact inflation and rising interest rates are having on landlords and the PRS. It identifies a tipping point for landlords at which their business becomes unsustainable. Inflation is placing an additional strain on all landlords - whether they have loan finance or not. Those that have loan finance are now facing the impact of earlier decisions to abolish MIR for landlords.
Letting agents: Landlords identify an ideal model
This post takes a deeper look into one of the key themes from In Focus. The Quarter 2 survey examined examined the landlord experience of using local letting agents and managing agencies. It also attempted to find out more about landlords use of online agents. Is the experience and customer satisfaction of landlords who use online agents much different to the experience of landlords who use a traditional letting agent?
Renting Homes (Wales) Act: Transition uncertain
This is the third and final post on the non-member landlord survey conducted in the summer of 2022. Landlords with properties in Wales gave views on the then-pending Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Despite high awareness of the Act, landlords noted further guidance should be made available to ensure a smooth transition.
Non-member landlord survey pt2 - potential changes to MEES
This is the second of three blog posts on the recent non-member landlord survey from the summer of 2022. This blog specifically looks at how landlords have reacted to potential changes to energy efficiency requirements. It notes that if the Government introduces an upward revision on MEES, incentives that stimulate investment is essential.