Landlord group calls for a new national representative organisation

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.”