Is Robert Jenrick going soft on Rent Controls?

Is Robert Jenrick going soft on Rent Controls?

9:44 AM, 9th December 2019, About 4 years ago 5

Text Size

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, gave an interview to the I newspaper detailing conservative plans and policies to tackle the housing crisis.

When questioned about the Tory commitment to end Section 21 eviction notices and what was the point if landlord could instead ‘constructively’ evict tenants by increasing rents Robert Jenrick appeared to backtrack on an earlier statement that the idea of rent controls was dead in the water.

Jenrick told the I newspaper that in response to the Section 21 consultation: “Government is going to consider carefully what contractual commitments can be made that provide greatest certainty to tenants. Whether that’s having clear guidance as to the rate at which your rent might rise or the length of your tenancy.”

When asked if the above statement was another phrase for rent controls, Jenrick said: “We don’t believe that old fashioned rent controls are a good idea, and that isn’t something that we want to revert to. We want to learn the lessons of the past and produce a fairer deal to tenants that works for the modern housing market.”

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck…………….


Share This Article


Comments

Ian Narbeth

10:22 AM, 9th December 2019, About 4 years ago

It could mean almost anything. When politicians start trotting out platitudinous phrases like "fairer deal" and "works for the XXX market" they need to be pressed on what they actually mean.

The expressions are almost meaningless. To test this, consider the opposite: has anyone said they want an "unfair deal" or a policy that "does not work" for a market?

Landlords need to tell the politicians that hurting landlords ≠ helping tenants. In fact we are fast approaching the point where more legislation helps the crooks because (a) they ignore it anyway, (b) good landlords give up and get out of the market (c) the supply of property decreases whilst demand is the same or increases and (d) the crooks put up their rents.

Dennis Leverett

11:47 AM, 9th December 2019, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 09/12/2019 - 10:22
When has any politician ever said what they actually mean, there's nothing better than watching a politician being pressed on a particular statement for a straight answer, very entertaining. How about a new TV program "Watch a Politician Squirm" we could all vote for the best squirm and raise money for charity, not Shelter, or a Politicians benevolent fund.

paul kaye

14:31 PM, 9th December 2019, About 4 years ago

I have not had a holiday since I became a landlord over 15 years ago.
I worked hard saved hard and invested in modern homes.
I have paid my taxes from day one !
I look after my tenants and yes had some bad ones who stopped paying rent and or damaged property.
I have taken two to court and won and one is still paying me back.
The other I waited 5 years to get my money having put a charging order on their property (yes they owned a house !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I feel the government needs to treat BTL as a business,like any other and allow all expenses,mortgage charges etc.
Landlords from hell need putting out of business,they are affecting us "good landlords." If it gets any worse I am selling up and going to "allow" the government to house my tenants and see how they get on,because I have had enough !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why should I have taken risks,gone without and get screwed by any government !?

Rob Crawford

19:47 PM, 9th December 2019, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by paul kaye at 09/12/2019 - 14:31
Except we don't want business council tax rates!

David Lawrenson

11:01 AM, 11th December 2019, About 4 years ago

I think the reality is that the Conservatives, if they did anything, would require that rent levels cannot increase by more than the rate of inflation for say the first three years of a tenancy. So, a form of rent control lite".

I think they appreciate that full on rent controls simply do not work but want to be seen to be doing something.

The reality is that most landlords are like me and not out to "gouge" tenants for maximum rents, as doing so is not good business: https://www.lettingfocus.com/blogs/2019/12/how-to-set-rent-at-the-right-level-and-when-how-often-and-by-how-much-should-you-increase-rents/

David Lawrenson
http://www.LettingFocus.com
One to One Advice for Landlords.
Author of "Successful Property Letting"

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 Tax Planning Book Now