ARLA 5 point manifesto
David Cox, of ARLA Propertymark, has written in the Daily Mail outlining a five point plan for the PRS that will encourage landlords to stay in the sector and give tenants a better deal.
In the article he detailed the plans as a new manifesto to be considered by the government:
1. Tax incentives
Tax incentives could be introduced for landlords benefiting tenants, such as those providing longer-term tenancies.
This could include reinstating the tax reliefs that landlords can claim on their mortgage interest.
2. Open database for rogue landlords
The database for ‘rogue’ landlords should be available to the public and not just for local authority access otherwise what is the point. Currently the database only contains 12 names.
3. Licensing of estate agents
The previous government said it was committed to the new licensing and it is the right thing to do as it will clean up the industry and its reputation. We hope that the new government will take it forward.
4. Reform the court system
After the proposed ban on Section 21 a dedicated housing court should be introduced to cut the time it takes landlords to gain possession of a property.
5. Introduce a property MOT
Properties, like cars, could become subject to an annual MOT to ensure they meet statutory requirements.
It would mean that local councils could get rid of much more expensive licensing schemes that are currently in place and improve enforcement. A property MOT would give landlords a steer on what maintenance they need to do and it would improve the health of a property for tenants.
This could be a massive step forward. It would be replacing the old regulation that doesn’t work, with one that does. And it would be much more effective in maintaining standards.
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Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 776
12:53 PM, 30th August 2019, About 7 years ago
I am very concerned about suggesting a house MOT. Something else that would be too easy to use to bash LL . Automatic fines for no MOT perhaps, hassle of yet another access on top of gas safety, potential for nit picking enforcement, raising unreasonable expectations for older property even if rented at lower cost etc…..
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 428
11:41 AM, 31st August 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 30/08/2019 – 12:53
I share your concerns and smell the rat of creating work for their members. A nice little earner but at whose expense? Of course landlords will absorb the cost, won’t they? Let’s hope nobody in authority is daft enough to adopt such a suggestion. With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1020 - Articles: 47
12:13 PM, 2nd September 2019, About 7 years ago
Why is the leader of a letting agents’ body publicly accepting Section 24, instead for fighting against it?
Why is he promoting another annual cost on landlords? It is extremely naive to suggest that property MOTs could replace licensing instead of just adding another unnecessary expense. The majority of properties are not subject to licensing anyway.
What mandate does he have from landlords for betraying them in these ways?
What mandate does he have from letting agents for this betrayal?
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 1969 - Articles: 1
12:16 PM, 2nd September 2019, About 7 years ago
Perhaps it’s time any directors of these so-called representative/industry groups must be LLs themselves. If not, it’s just far too easy to spout nonsense that doesn’t directly affect you.
Member Since October 2017 - Comments: 41
3:27 PM, 2nd September 2019, About 7 years ago
Do you honestly think the councils will stop charging a licence fee because Landlords have to have an annual MOT. All that will happen is the MOT will become an additional fee
As for longer tenancies, I would imagine all landlords wold want to keep a good tenant for as long as they can without a financial incentive.
Member Since April 2017 - Comments: 225
4:41 PM, 2nd September 2019, About 7 years ago
David Cox you need your head testing! An MOT type test annually for landlords is a waste of money. Good landlords keep their properties well maintained. If this were to be introduced it would just cost tenants more money on their rent. What is wrong with everybody????????? We have the laws – it just requires the authorities to use them!