Deep Insight
Private Rented Sector trends
These blog posts are written to prompt discussion and debate about the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the UK.
The posts provide more detail on trends which emerge in our analysis of datasets in the Observatory. They also highlight specific topics and comments landlords make in our regular or occasional surveys.
Academics, policy makers and practitioners also make regular contributions to the blog.
Inventory clerks - an overview of users
This blog post reports on inventories and the use of independent inventory clerk services by landlords. The analysis is drawn from the 2020 Quarter 2 survey of the PRS undertaken by the NRLA. It highlights patterns of usage by different groups of landlords. It also signposts to further information
Research webinar - July 2020
The slides from the Research Observatory webinar, held in July 2020, are available here. This webinar introduces the Research Observatory team, and the role research plays in the NRLA. The webinar also introduces the Landlord Confidence Index as well as the results of the Quarter 2 landlords survey
Rental prices and real wages - the gap continues to grow
The lack of affordability of private rented properties in key locations has been the focus of fierce debate. The gap between rents and wages is again growing. Again the problem is not with surging prices but a dramatic fall in wages.
Adaptations: Enabling a sustainable supply of private rented options
This post sets out the experiences of landlords trying to meet the requests of tenants and would-be tenants who are seeking homes which are adapted to the needs of the elderly of disabled. The post concludes by finding an opportunity for local authorities, the voluntary sector and private landlords to work together. This could be an opportunity to use licensing revenues constructively and raise the PRS offer to particular groups of residents.
Landlords & their sparing use of Section 21: The evidence is clear & consistent
This post reviews a range of landlord surveys which have investigated their use of Section 21. Despite the range of samples, methodologies, and responses in these studies a consistent pattern emerges. A typical landlord rarely uses Section 21. When they do so, it reflects frustration with alternatives.
