Latest articles by Sally Walmsley
Housing Secretary Michael Gove MP writes exclusively for the NRLA
In what is a huge coup for the NRLA, Housing Secretary Michael Gove has written exclusively for members in NRLA members’ magazine Property. He says independent landlords are vital to ensuring a fair and functioning private rented sector and provide tenants ‘with flexibility and choice, and the value for money options that go with them’. Read the full story here.
Win for NRLA as Labour u-turns on rent controls
The Labour Party has abandoned plans to introduce rent controls should it come to power, with Shadow Housing Secretary Lisa Nandy admitting proposals could in fact increase homelessness.
Landlords can use new templates to write to MPs on Renters Reform
New letter templates have been developed for NRLA members who want to write to their MP to highlight issues with the proposed Renters (Reform) Bill. The templates have been adapted to highlight the key measures needed to ensure landlords can continue to operate once Bill is implemented, with landlords able to edit the documents to explain how the proposals will impact them and their businesses.
Wales: Housing Minister backs NRLA tax calls
The Welsh Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, has supported the need to review the way the private rented sector is taxed. Speaking at an event to launch the National Residential Landlords Association’s (NRLA) State of the Welsh Private Rented Sector report, the Minister said she would welcome ideas about how to ensure the tax system supports the provision of long-term homes to rent.
Landlords’ profits hit 16-year low
Landlords’ profits have hit the lowest rate since 2007 according to new research, with fears many could quit the sector for good. Average net profits for investors in the PRS dropped below 4% in the first quarter of this year, according to a report by property agent Savills, and are now at their lowest since 2007.
Supply and demand gap widens in private rented sector
Government considering possession ground for student lets
A possession ground allowing student landlords to take back their properties at the end of an academic year could be in the pipeline. Housing Minister Rachel Maclean MP has confirmed the Government is considering developing a ground that would guarantee vacant possession to let to students at the start of each academic year, following a campaign by the NRLA.
Government must axe ‘dangerous’ housing plans
The NRLA has added its voice to calls opposing plans to exempt landlords housing asylum seekers from meeting vital housing safety standards. It has signed a joint letter to Michael Gove and Suella Braverman saying it is wrong that the lives of vulnerable people should be put at risk in this way – with fears that those awaiting news of their asylum claim could be packed into dangerous, overcrowded homes.
Renters Reform: Action needed on student lets
NRLA warnings that ending fixed term tenancies for student lets could decimate the sector are gaining momentum – with the association to continue to lobby Government for change. The Renters (Reform) Bill, published last week, outlined proposals to end most fixed term tenancies, including those currently offered to students in the private rented sector to cover the academic year.
The Big Question: What do you think of Government's Renters (Reform) Bill?
The Government published its Renters (Reform) Bill this week, years after pledging change in its election manifesto. Ahead of the publication of our summer magazine we want to know what you think of the plans. Are they workable? Are they fair? What needs to change? To have your say here.
