Articles by Tom Simcock
Supporting private landlords not pushing them out is key for a modern sector of the future
Our findings are showing that landlord sentiment to the sector and investments is deteriorating. We estimate on top of the 46,000 privately rented homes that have already been lost (MHCLG, 2018), there will be a further net loss of 133,000 homes to rent. We need to move to a broader but fair reform of private renting; with improved access to justice for landlords and tenants, expanded options for security of tenure, and reformed taxation policy that supports not penalise private landlords.
A Year in Review: Our Top 20 Research Findings
It has been a year since we launched RLA PEARL and we have achieved a lot, especially at a time when the political focus on the private rented sector is intensifying. Read further to find out our most interesting research findings of the past year.
Longer term tenancies in the Private Rented Sector
This research explores the experiences and attitudes of private landlords to longer-term tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS). We focus on the current barriers preventing landlords offering longer tenancies.
How have welfare reforms impacted the private rented sector? A review of our research & policy work
The PRS has grown significantly in size over the last twenty years and now plays a vital role in providing a home for those on low-incomes and the homeless. Recently, there have been a lot of policy changes that affect the most vulnerable in society and their ability to access a safe and secure home in the PRS. We review our research and activities to date and look to what the future could hold.
The Bedroom Boom: Airbnb and London
"Sharing is caring" but is this the case with the rise of the sharing economy? As the way in which we do business changes, the so-called sharing economy is on the rise in the UK. This research report explores the extent of the use of Airbnb and its impact on the private rented sector.
From Long-Term Lets to Short-Term Lets: Is Airbnb becoming the new buy-to-let?
Homes are no longer being used for long term accommodation. With the rise of the sharing economy, increasing world-wide tourism and technological revolution, people are using homes to provide accommodation to millions of tourists globally every year.
The Postcode Lottery of Local Authority Enforcement in the Private Rented Sector
Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. Poor quality housing should not exist in a modern society. Our research has identified a postcode lottery of local authority enforcement, with enforcement activities differing right across England and Wales. 67% of Local Authorities did not commence a single prosecution in 2017/18.
The impact of taxation reform on the PRS
The aim of this research - undertaken by The Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning research was to investigate the impact of taxation reform on the private rented sector, in the light of emerging evidence on how landlords have responded thus far.
The Right to Rent Scheme and the Impact on the Private Rented Sector
Over the past few years, we have monitored the impact of this policy, and we have undertaken this research to further the understanding of how this policy is being implemented in the private rented sector.
Improving the private rented sector of the future
There are a number of policy areas that are currently under greater scrutiny. These include security of tenure, standards and efforts to increase the supply of homes. Changes here could deliver a better private rented sector for all.
