Articles by Eleanor Bateman
From rental reform to housing emergency: Scotland’s experience
In May, the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency, swiftly attributing the crisis to UK Government budget cuts, the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate freeze and Brexit-related labour shortages. However, the roots of the problem may lie closer to home. Eleanor Bateman explains more.
Rent Smart Wales audit: Electrical safety and navigating the requirements
Rent Smart Wales is undertaking a compliance audit and has identified some electrical safety pitfalls that can be easy to overlook. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act (RHW) requires landlords in Wales to undertake electrical safety testing to ensure properties are safe to rent. NRLA Senior Campaigns Officer Ellie Bateman explains more about the audit and top tips to navigate electrical safety requirements as a landlord in Wales.
A second bite at leasehold reform
Despite the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 receiving Royal Assent just two months ago, further reforms are back on the table following an announcement in the King's Speech this week.
Shaping the PRS in Wales - can you help?
There is still time to contribute to the Welsh Government's evaluation of Rent Smart Wales, the body governing registration and licensing in the Welsh private rented sector, with the NRLA to join a working group on the issue next week.
Cross-party group considers the future of Local Housing Allowance
The NRLA joined a meeting of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on rented housing and leasehold properties last week to discuss Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and how it can best support households in Wales.
Land Transaction Tax reform could revive the private rented sector in Wales
Amidst a housing emergency, with demand for private rented homes outstripping supply and nearly 12,000 individuals across Wales in temporary accommodation, the NRLA has called pro-growth measures to boost the supply of private rented homes, including reform of Land Transaction Tax (LTT).
The leasehold limbo lingers on
Building safety took centre stage this week during the debate on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, with little light at the end of the tunnel for leaseholders facing huge bills to fix defects. Senior Public Affairs Officer Eleanor Bateman explains more.
Has Gove lost his grapple with ground rent?
Leasehold reform was on the agenda for peers this week, but outside Parliament, reports suggest that the Treasury has blocked the Secretary of State’s plans to charge peppercorn ground rent to leaseholders.
Could the relaxation of permitted development rights hit housing standards?
The Government believes that deregulation of the planning system will help to generate the scale of building needed to tackle the housing crisis. But could it do more harm than good?
Lets with pets: What you need to know
Is the risk of renting to pet owners inflated? Following the publication of a new report by Battersea Cats and Dogs Home considering the importance of pet-friendly renting, Senior Campaigns and Public Affairs Officer, Eleanor Bateman, explores the issues.
