Boris Johnson’s policy team has held talks with the NRLA on its proposals for reform of the private rented sector.
The Government’s long-awaited Rental Reform White Paper, which will include plans to ban Section 21 repossessions – so called ‘no-fault evictions - is due to be made public this spring.
Ahead of it’s publication the NRLA produced its own comprehensive document, outlining its proposals for reform of the sector, which would protect tenants’ rights, but also, crucially provide landlords with a mechanism to repossess properties where there is a legitimate need to do so.
It is also calling for a clear process for dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour in rental homes and the development of a publicly funded landlord/tenant conciliation service, similar to ACAS, to prevent disputes having to go to court wherever possible.
This would be backed up by reform of the court system to offer landlords and tenants swift access to justice and improved enforcement to tackle the minority of criminal landlords out there.
Johnson’s policy team questioned NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle and policy director Chris Norris on proposals for a National Register of Landlords, a move the association believes is unnecessary and would create yet more red tape.
Instead the NRLA argues landlords’ details could be accessed via the compulsory redress scheme the Government has proposed for the sector, which the association is backing, or the Land Registry.
The Government has committed to exploring the potential to develop a national register of landlords. Such a move would amount to excessive and unneeded red tape.
The NRLA also used the meeting to seek clarification on cladding.
The Government has announced plans to ensure leaseholders do not have to contribute to the cost of replacing dangerous cladding on medium rise blocks, yet, at present have excluded landlords from the scheme, saying they have yet to make a decision on whether they should be supported.
The association argued that the tenure of the property should not affect any decision on whether funding should be made available and has once more urged the Government to rethink proposals. You can read more about the latest on the cladding crisis here.
NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle said: “We were delighted to speak directly with the Prime Minister’s team on such important issues, which will potentially have a huge impact on our membership in the months and years to come.
“It was an extremely constructive discussion and we are looking forward to working with Boris Johnson and his team to shape future housing legislation that is both fair and supportive to landlords and tenants alike.”