Government policies harm tenants as small landlords leave

“Government policies designed to protect tenants could end up harming exactly the people they are intended to help”, says Conservative activist and landlord.

Writing in Conservative Home, Kimberley Harmer, who owns three rental properties, warns Labour not to attack landlords during the Autumn Budget.

This comes as rumours swirl in the media that the Chancellor may extend national insurance on rental income.

Labour may believe that attacking landlords is politically popular but families will suffer

Ms Harmer, who owns three rental properties, warns that if she is forced to sell, the families living in them could face the risk of homelessness. She warns if Labour proceeds with plans to apply National Insurance contributions to rental income, it could cost landlords hundreds of pounds per property and drive many out of the market.

She writes in Conservative Home: “Labour may believe that attacking landlords is politically popular. But the families who will suffer first are the tenants, while responsible landlords are driven out, supply falls, rents rise, and taxpayers end up picking up the tab. Housing policy should reward responsibility, not punish it.”

She argues that the solution is not to “punish small landlords” but to support them, warning that failure to do so risks worsening the housing crisis.

She says: “Conservatives should be clear: private landlords are vital to Britain’s housing system. Policies should encourage investment in rental stock, stabilise the tax framework, and simplify compliance.

“Sensible regulation that protects tenants and landlords alike, without punishing small, responsible investors, will do far more to increase housing supply than politically motivated tax raids. Small landlords like us are helping Britain’s families today while securing a future for our children. We must not tax them out of existence tomorrow.”

Blanket measures may unintentionally push conscientious landlords out of the market

Ms Harmer warns selective licensing fees, possible EPC changes and mortgage costs are already tipping small landlords over the edge and Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill “risks tipping the balance too far.”

She says whilst the Renters’ Rights Bill is well-intentioned, it could end up doing more harm than good.

She writes in Conservative Home: “We understand the motivation behind the Renters’ Rights Bill.

“Unscrupulous landlords who neglect maintenance and exploit tenants exist, and reforms to protect renters are overdue. However, policies that treat all landlords the same, risk penalising responsible small landlords who maintain homes and offer long-term stability. Blanket measures may unintentionally push conscientious landlords out of the market, reducing the very housing supply the legislation aims to safeguard.”

The full Conservative Home article can be read by clicking here

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