Good landlords have nothing to fear – Polly Neate

Good landlords have nothing to fear – Polly Neate

9:23 AM, 12th June 2023, About 2 years ago 47

Text Size

Polly Neate, the chief executive of the housing charity Shelter, says that good landlords have nothing to fear from the Renters’ Reform Bill which could ‘transform the lives of millions’.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Ms Neate says that since the deregulation of private renting in the Housing Act of 1988, the balance of power has been disproportionately skewed against tenants.

And with an ever-growing number of renters over the years, the issue of security has transformed into a pressing concern that demands immediate attention.

She says the Bill aims to address these concerns by providing a comprehensive solution that caters to the essential needs of every tenant – and create a more balanced and secure environment for all parties involved.

‘Breakthrough moment for tenants’

Ms Neate said: “The publication of the Renters’ Reform Bill last month was a breakthrough moment for tenants.

“It will drag private renting into the 21st century so that it’s a fit place to live for the one in four families who now rely on it for a home.”

She adds: “Landlords will benefit too.

“A strong bill should drive up standards and stop the minority of negligent landlords from undermining all those who follow the law and work hard to do right by their tenants.

“Similar reforms in Scotland haven’t led to a mass sell-up by private landlords.”

Provide relief to millions of tenants

In the Times’ article, Ms Neate says the potential impact of the Bill cannot be overstated and it will provide relief to millions of tenants struggling with housing issues.

She says that from distressed parents dealing with eviction notices during their child’s critical exam period, to tenants suffering severe health problems due to landlords neglecting property maintenance, this new legislation promises significant improvements.

She points to ‘two pivotal changes’: abolishing section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and establishing a mandatory property portal for landlord registration.

‘Scrapping no-fault evictions is well overdue’

Ms Neate writes: “Scrapping no-fault evictions is well overdue. More than 24,000 households were threatened with homelessness under no-fault evictions last year, about a 50% increase on 2021.

“Tenants need protection from having the roof ripped from over their heads for no reason and with barely any notice.

“No responsible landlord need fear the end of section 21.

“If they need to sell their property or move back into it themselves, they will still be able to.”

Without the fear of losing their homes

The Bill will also, she says, give tenants the confidence to address property issues without the fear of losing their homes.

Pointing to Shelter stats, Ms Neate says private renters in England who report substandard living conditions are two and a half times more likely to receive an eviction notice.

The planned property portal will simplify the process for landlords to understand their obligations and allow tenants to verify their landlord’s identity and adherence to legal standards.

The bill also promises more local authority enforcement and prohibiting discriminatory practices against tenants receiving benefits or those with children.

‘Laws will be in place to protect everyone’

Ms Neate said: “We hope that by the end of the year laws will be in place to protect everyone waking up in an unsafe home today, who is too afraid to ask their landlord to fulfil their responsibilities, from being kicked out for speaking out.

“The housing secretary, Michael Gove, has spoken passionately about the poor conditions and insecurity in private renting, and he has not minced his words in demanding change.”

She adds: “But those bold words must now be matched with bold action from his fellow MPs.

“No loopholes can be allowed to open for unfair evictions to continue by the back door once section 21 is abolished.”


Share This Article


Comments

Claire Smith

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

15:35 PM, 18th June 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Cocks at 13/06/2023 - 12:39
Update, I have had a response explaining that staff have been ill or on holiday. They did provide some data, but I have responded to that explaining that their data is BEFORE the rent freeze and so irrelevant.
I will let you know if they ever give any appropriate evidence.

geester24

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

6:24 AM, 19th June 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin S at 17/06/2023 - 18:57
Hi there, I've had a couple of instances where a couple have moved in with an undeclared pregnancy. Not much you can do about that really. Re pets; if done correctly it can persuade a tenant to stay longer term which is usually good. Also a tenant may move in with no benefits but apply when in situe of course without your knowledge.
To the person who can't sell their property with the dodgy tenant, there is always an auction for this purpose.

john isaacs

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

10:35 AM, 30th June 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Alexandra at 12/06/2023 - 21:51
I have found that also , you write anything against shelter on their facebook ads , the comments either vanish or you get blocked from making more comments, they silence their critics

Gromit

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

19:57 PM, 30th June 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by john isaacs at 30/06/2023 - 10:35
Nice to see Shelter are supporters of freedom of speech - NOT!
It's only liars & fraudsters that fear the truth.

Whiteskifreak Surrey

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

20:48 PM, 2nd July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by john isaacs at 30/06/2023 - 10:35
They already silenced me last year. It is a "badge of honour" for me!

Alexandra

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

22:03 PM, 2nd July 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 02/07/2023 - 20:48
I do wonder if those of us who have been silenced/blocked by Shelter should have our own club with a t shirt and secret handshake 🙂 lol

Robert

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

15:24 PM, 5th July 2023, About A year ago

I would add to the many comments - no mention of protection from rogue tenants, it's like they don't exist. Where is Shelters/Polly's acceptance and listing of rogue tenants as per all landlords ? Rogue tenant not mentioned once in the Renters Reform. This is our last renting cycle. All the tenants over 25 years have needed a rental property at that time for a diversity of reasons.

1 2 3 4 5

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Automated Assistant Read More