Michael Gove praises landlords and rejects rent controls

Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, has expressed his opposition to rent controls at the National Residential Landlords Association’s (NRLA) national conference.

The event was held on the day after MPs debated the Renters (Reform) Bill, which aims to end so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions by abolishing section 21 notices.

Mr Gove said that he recognised ‘the invaluable service’ that ‘the overwhelming majority of landlords’ provide and that he wanted to ensure a healthy and ‘critical’ part of the housing market.

He also reassured attendees that he would work to improve the efficiency of the courts in processing legitimate possession cases before section 21 ends.

Rent controls for the private rented sector

On the issue of rent controls for the private rented sector (PRS), he said that they were ‘not just an intervention too far, but completely the wrong approach’.

He pointed to the negative impact they have on the supply of homes to rent and the quality of available rental properties.

Mr Gove also agreed with the NRLA’s concerns about protecting the annual cycle of the student housing market when fixed term tenancies are abolished.

‘Ensure changes work for the sector as a whole’

The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “We were delighted to hear the Secretary of State set out how he will ensure changes work for the sector as a whole, and the recognition the NRLA‘s evidence-based research received from the Chair of the Select Committee.

“Most of all, the event was a reminder of why we do what we do, to ensure the rental market genuinely works for responsible landlords and tenants.”