0:04 AM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago 12
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A radical overhaul of local property licencing schemes is necessary under the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill because they are ineffective and costly, Propertymark warns.
The organisation says it has responded to consultations on additional and selective licencing consultations from Enfield, Reading, Gateshead and Wandsworth.
It has also responded to a proposal from Lambeth to bring in Article 4 Directions for small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
While Lambeth’s proposal aims to improve HMO property conditions, Propertymark warns that it could have a negative impact on rent levels, the supply of affordable housing and the local economy.
The trade body also expressed concerns about the impact on student accommodation and the ability of local authorities to effectively enforce standards.
It also points to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which is looking at a national digital PRS database – Propertymark says this will make property licensing redundant.
Propertymark’s policy and campaigns officer, Tim Thomas, said: “Debate around the Renters’ Rights Bill should be seen as an opportunity to consider fresh ideas in improving standards within the private rented sector in England.
“It is clear that as local authorities call for the reintroduction of licencing schemes for an additional five-year period, they have been unsuccessful in their aim in improving standards.”
He adds: “The UK government’s proposed database should make local authority licencing unnecessary, and rather than reintroduce unsuccessful schemes, MHCLG should concentrate on how national licencing can accommodate the important role that letting agents play in managing properties and ensuring landlords raise standards.”
Propertymark argues that licencing schemes are a blunt instrument in improving standards, with many compliant letting agents and landlords paying fees while criminal landlords and agents operate under the radar.
It is also concerned over the impact on housing supply, the effectiveness of local authority enforcement and the value for money of such schemes.
Instead of licencing, Propertymark wants an annual ‘MOT’ of rental properties to replace the expensive existing discretionary schemes, improve enforcement, and provide guidance to agents and landlords on how to maintain or improve property conditions.
This would cover all areas of property condition, including energy efficiency and minimum health and safety standards.
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Cider Drinker
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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1539
8:39 AM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
Schemes (or scams) such as Selective Licensing or invasive MOTs) wouldn’t be needed if we had sufficient homes for the number of people that we have in the U.K. Bad properties would simply remain empty.
We don’t have enough homes because there are too many people. We have too many people because governments encourage it.
It’s time to fix the problem rather than focussing on the symptoms.
GlanACC
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1484
9:56 AM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
Why don’t these organisations keep their nose out of the Landlords business, all they are doing is self promoting and trying to raise their own profile. I know how to run my business and what is needed.
Mick Roberts
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Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3209 - Articles: 80
11:25 AM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
I’d be up for MOT’s in a perfect world. But how would it work to take into account tenants that damage stuff & damaged stuff 20 years ago.
It may only work for the perfect Letting Agent tenant.
Cider Drinker
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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1539
15:45 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
The people that need MOTs are the public bodies and government departments that squander so much of our money.
GlanACC
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1484
16:28 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
Is this like a car MOT where if the vehicle is over 40 years old you don’t need an MOT
DPT
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Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1106
17:00 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
I’d also be up for the MOT to replace property licensing if the fee was the same as for a car.
Rob
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Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
21:45 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 03/09/2024 – 11:25
I agree, maybe an element of the MOT would look at how the tenant is acting against a set of “good tenant like indicators”.
Rob
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Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
21:47 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
I really don’t think there is a need for an annual MOT. Maybe, similar to electrical safety checks it’s 5 yearly unless issues are found which justify a shorter term!
Desmond
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Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 27
23:07 PM, 3rd September 2024, About A year ago
Licensing schemes are ineffective because “criminal landlords operate under the radar”, therefore these criminals will instead agree to join an accreditation purveyor’s MOT scheme?
I’m struggling to join the dots.
RGJ25
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 12
8:45 AM, 4th September 2024, About A year ago
Already have yearly gas safety and 5 year electrical. Many simply can’t afford to live somewhere that meets the unachievable standards these delusional ideologues demand. That’s why housing association and council properties are in the state they are in. Get your own houses in order before you go after us who already provided a higher standard than yourselves.