Landlord group calls for a new national representative organisation

Landlord group calls for a new national representative organisation

9:40 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago 55

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A leading regional landlords’ association says it is time for a national proactive organisation that effectively represents landlords.

The call is being made by Paul Cunningham, chair of the Eastern Landlords’ Association, which represents landlords in East Anglia.

He fears that the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill could worsen homelessness and drive more landlords out of the PRS.

That would see a shrinking market and fewer housing options for tenants – and higher rents.

‘Landlords leaving the industry’

He told Property118: “There are a huge number of landlords leaving the industry mainly because they are fed up with how they are treated by this government.

“The bill is short sighted and could lead to a big rise in homelessness as demand for rented property will outstrip demand and there aren’t enough social properties.”

He adds: “The landlords who remain in the sector are likely to ask for a rent guarantor which could be a challenge for some prospective tenants as many landlords and agents insist that guarantors have to be homeowners.”

Mr Cunningham says he recently received 350 inquiries for a studio flat on the Norfolk coast – which highlights the intense competition for rented properties.

Landlords are not being represented

However, he also warns that landlords are not being represented effectively and is calling for a new landlord organisation to be created.

Mr Cunningham said: “If only the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), which is rapidly becoming pointless, actually had a voice both in government and the media.

“Until landlords have proper representation this poor representation of landlords will only get worse.”

He adds: “The NRLA actually agrees with the abolition of Section 21.

“Shelter speaks and the media are all over it – when the NRLA speaks, no one listens.

“It is time for a national proactive organisation to represent landlords more effectively.”

Could be law by the summer

The government’s Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords and could be law by the summer.

The legislation will move tenancies to a ‘periodic’ model with no end date and will scrap six- and 12-month fixed-term agreements.

It also aims to outlaw section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions which currently allow landlords to remove tenants without giving a reason.

Mr Cunningham said: “The abolition of section 21 is unnecessary as landlords always have a reason for evicting tenants – there is always a reason.”


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John Mac

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9:53 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Sorry but this is just nonsense, if more Landlords joined the NRLA then we would have a bigger voice. Currently less than 5% of LL's are members.

We do not need another body, we need LL's to support the one body we already have.

As for Sec21 going, we all know it's going no matter how much we shout, the NRLA are trying their best to make sure going forward LL's will still have the means to evict bad tenants. In other words making the best of a bad situation.

The NRLA need support from the people it represents, until this happens the Gov can choose to effectively ignore it.

Luna

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10:02 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

I don't think it would make any difference if the NRLA had more members - the government just want to hammer landlords, so they leave the market and the PRS is run by corporate landlords. it seems to be working as i am only retaining 6 out of 28 properties.
Paul is right - I have felt for a long time that the NRLA does not effectively represent the majority of landlords in this country.

BobG

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10:04 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Yes I agree - NRLA is excellent in providing valuable information and accreditation for new landlords and ongoing CPD training but don't seem to be able to influence issues such as how the new EPC assessments will operate, section 24, SDLT or legal changes. They seem to be more responsive rather than influential in ensuring private landlords can continue to operate in an increasingly difficult environment. They have the knowledge but not the political clout

Lordship

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10:10 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

I agree with Mr Cunningham. The NRLA have a poor history when it comes to defending landlords best interests.

They don't have the right leadership or the people involved to effectively increase membership numbers or an effective strategy to get the landlord voice heard.

I still struggle to see what their 140+ staff do all day!

I'm not saying it's an easy job influencing government with an agenda, but if you continue using the same approach that is not working, then it appears that your out of ideas and just taking the money.

reader

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10:11 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

BiobG is generous in his praise and insufficient in his criticism. The NRLA has lost its way when dealing with government . It seems to agree with government policy to readily and fails to promote the issues that are relevant to landlords. Unfortunately those who support Shelter, Generation Rent and their ilk have no such reservation and achieve more.

Dizzy

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10:15 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Agreed. The NRLA are not a force as the Farmers Union and others are.
Excellent for documentation but not much else.
Time for us all to join Reform and get some sanity back before 2030.
Dizz

John Mac

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10:23 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Of course the NRLA are not a force like the Farmers union as I explained above.

Let me explain it like this; If a Union is going into negotiations with an employer whilst only representing less than 5% of the workforce they would be laughed out of the door, IN FACT, they wouldn't even get in the door!

The NRLA's hands are tied due to the apathy of LL's.

Lordship

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10:29 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by John Mac at 27/02/2025 - 10:23
Tell me what they have done to effectively increase the membership?

Running ads on X is about all I've seen.

I have met landlords who have never heard of them!
As I say, 140 staff - how many work on the marketing?

BobG

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10:43 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by at 27/02/2025 - 10:11
Reader is probably correct - I do tend to make positive comments where possible. I don't think it is just the NRLA who do not have the political clout. As a RICS surveyor, CIOB Construction Manager and ex FMB committee member my experience is that all these organizations do an excellent job for their members but non seem to be able to deliver the political input to promote the construction and property industries in the way they deserve.

Downsize Government

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10:43 AM, 27th February 2025, About 2 months ago

I feel Propertymark come out saying things that the NRLA should. Perhaps if there was a way of Propertymark getting more weight behind them, that might help.

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