Gavin Barwell confirms longer tenancies will not apply to BTL

Reply to the comment left by "Pamela Potter" at "11/02/2017 - 13:36":

Briiliant letter.

Shame Barwell ducked answering most of the points, but then he is politician.

That's interesting that you've had such an opposite experience to us. I wonder if it's an area mindset thing, or a lack of suitable properties in your area that makes people want to lock in, or simply a different tenant demographic. It goes to show what a tricky job govt has got in trying to legislate for the whole country when the market forces in different areas can vary enourmously.

Reply to the comment left by "Kate Mellor" at "11/02/2017 - 14:11":

Indeed Kate, agreed. I do encourage the longer let myself mind by discounting for longer commitment as this works better for me than any voids or keep changing tenant and paying out fees.

Reply to the comment left by "Monty Bodkin" at "11/02/2017 - 13:38":

In my experience most tenants do want long term security but do not want to commit to having to stay for a long time, as their circumstances may change (e.g. increase in family size; redundancy).

On this basis I can understand the idea of landlords committing for a long term whilst the tenant can get out early; the landlord can reasonably easily find a replacement tenant (or if he can't then he has the wrong property), and with a good tenant he is no worse off than if it were a 6-month tenancy that continued for 3 years; the tenant may need to move to find a new job or to get a property that is suitable for increased family size. It is with the 'bad' tenants that landlords may be at a disadvantage, having to rely on S8 and court appearance rather than fast-track S21.

Reply to the comment left by "Pamela Potter" at "11/02/2017 - 11:53":

Hi Pamela

That is an excellent reply. I think you should put your email conversation on the main thread so that everybody sees it.

Reply to the comment left by "Pamela Potter" at "11/02/2017 - 13:36":

Well done Pamela,
i sent something similar and did not even get a "p..o.." rely (excuse me my French!)

Reply to the comment left by "Pamela Potter" at "11/02/2017 - 11:53":

I received exactly the same reply, and sent this in reply:

Dear Gavin,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Yes, this is a campaign, but not from one particular organisation; it's from every private sector landlord whose livelihoods and pension funds are being destroyed by this Government. I cannot, and would not stop it. If someone was systematically destroying your livelihood, what would you do?

The point I wanted to make is it is clear you do not understand the private rented sector and the increasing challenges it now faces. The thrust of your comments is aimed at private sector landlords, and the 'smaller' landlords in particularly. Why them? Because s.24 is deliberately targeting them and not the big, unaccountable Ltd property companies, and it is only the latest in 'attacks' on that sector.

The social housing sector already cannot cope with the demand, and falls back on the private rented sector. Yet, we are pilloried for renting out our properties to social housing tenants, and having the audacity to require them to pay rent! When they don't, because they receive their benefits direct and spend the money before paying their rent, we have to evict. Even then, it can take months, and we are not receiving rent.

When s.24 really starts to bite, you will see far fewer private sector landlords, and far less available housing. However much is built, it will never be enough. You are the Housing Minister. Please demonstrate that you really do understand the problems and do something to help. Unless, of course, you don't want to upset the 'bash the landlord' lobby!

Reply to the comment left by "Lou Valdini" at "13/02/2017 - 15:16":

Like most MPs he is toeing the party line, not rocking the party boat, and not queering his pitch in case he loses his post/jeopardises being promoted (and losing out on lucrative non-exec Directorship when he leaves office).

In response to Gavin Barwell's irritating email response, I have sent him this:

"Dear Gav

Thank you for your response and your suggestions on how to cope with the current and continual onslaught on the private rental sector landlords, of which I am one. I will now begin the process of developing a thick skin. Your suggestion was most useful and gratefully received.

I will assume that, as a career politician, you have already developed a skin thicker than a crocodile's backside and won't mind if I return your kind gesture of a suggestion or two as to how you might manage your own future financial security. It's only fair I think and you can thank me later.

As I'm sure you already know, why wouldn't you? On 10th February Prime Minister May met with a career landlord and senior campaign supporter, Gill Alden who, laden with real facts, not the '1 in 5 landlords will be affected' kind of facts that have no basis in fact, but real facts of the type that can be verified by financial and housing industry experts and history (specifically Ireland, 2009) and had, what she describes as, a very productive meeting. She was met by a Theresa May that was very receptive to what she had to say and confirmed that she is now considering her position on the government's approach to private sector landlords. But, as I say, I'm sure you already know this.

Please rest assured my advice is not based on the collective opinion of politicians as ruthlessly ambitious machiavellian shapeshifters; as I private sector landlord, I am more than experienced in the frustrations of being publicly and unfairly maligned and misrepresented as a money grabbing heartless negotiator for the purposes of exploitation (one thick skin on order, thanks again). No, my advise is purely motherly and based on the fact that, in truth, I cannot resist a babyface and am keen to ensure that, in order for you to maximise your career potential in Prime Minister May's next cabinet re-shuffle, you prepare by broadening your reading on the housing subject and have a little bit more in your arsenal than a '1 in 5' quote and a couple of Shutterstock photographs of some Dickensian children living in squalor (which you can probably download for free from the Shelter website but don't tell them I told you). And to help you along the way I have attached a taster report for your consideration although it does include a rather impressive bibliography which will point you even further in the right direction. Although, if your computer is not able to open the attachment, Prime Minister May already has it so you could always ask her to share.

Thank YOU for your time. And good luck with your career. We are all watching with great interest........... through our fingers.............. with one eye shut.............. from behind the sofa.

Regards

Pam"

Would love a reply but won't hold my breath.

Reply to the comment left by "Pamela Potter" at "13/02/2017 - 19:17":

Love it ?