Articles by Chris Norris
Base Rate Hike: Time for landlords to fight or take flight?
This week the Bank of England announced an interest rate increase from 1.25 to 1.75 per cent, the biggest single hike for 27 years. Here, NRLA Policy and Campaigns Director Chris Norris explores what the impact of the rise could be for landlords and the private rented sector.
Supreme Court to Consider Rent-to-Rent
The NRLA has applied to intervene in the Rakusen v Jepsen Supreme Court appeal. This does not mean that we are directly supporting either litigant or have become party to the case. Rather that we believe that the outcome of the case may affect other landlords whose interests should be heard and whom we wish to represent.
Reclaiming 'decency' for private landlords
The existing Decent Homes Standard was written two decades ago for a different sector, facing different challenges, with a lengthy implementation plan. In order to meet issues head on we need a revised standard, designed for all rented homes, and an appropriate timetable. Our proposals take the best from existing regulations and make it easier for landlords and tenants to apply them.
NRLA in talks with Number 10
NRLA policy director Chris Norris writes about a recent visit to Downing Street for talks with Number 10 housing advisers.
Energy Efficiency: Time is Running Out
It is highly likely that a new stricter target will be set in the very near future for the PRS. It was expected last October, and then in March of this year (2022) but has not materialised.
The Building Safety Bill - an update
Without a change of course, private landlords will be left with bills they cannot afford and work to remove dangerous cladding risks being slowed down completely.
Blog: Improvements to Universal Credit Arrears Payments Expected
The NRLA has learned that DWP is to introduce a new procedure in the next few weeks, expected to be rolled-out during February 2022, which will dramatically speed up arrears payments to private landlords.
Blog: Landlords Needed for Building Safety Bill
We need NRLA members with experience of ownership and letting units in mid or high-rise properties to volunteer to share their knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing similar landlords.
Blog: Minister writes to English landlords about 'Winter Plan'
Housing minister Christopher Pincher MP has written an open letter to all landlords in England this December to explain the measures contained in the Autumn and Winter Plan (2021) to tackle rising cases of Covid-19.
Blog: Energy efficiency & VAT - the case for zero rating
Retrofit is arguably the greener option for reaching net zero. Why then is the practice of "demolish and rebuild" encouraged by the tax system? The answer, or at least one of them, appears to be VAT. We make the case for zero rating VAT on energy efficiency measures.
