Propertymark questions Labour’s controversial PRS review

Propertymark is calling for more information from the Labour Party on its recent review of the private rented sector (PRS), which was published last week.

The controversial review, led by the Labour Housing Group, proposed five key objectives, including rent controls, a big increase in social housing and the establishment of a compulsory National Landlords Register.

It also suggested the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, and restrictions on landlords switching to short-term and holiday lettings.

The review was announced by Councillor Stephen Cowan, leader of the Hammersmith and Fulham council, in January last year.

Review sheds light on much needed areas of reform

The organisation’s head of policy and campaigns, Timothy Douglas, and the chief executive Nathan Emerson, met with Councillor Cowan as part of the review.

Mr Douglas said: “The review sheds light on much needed areas of reform including around increasing standards and improving affordability.

“Having provided input into the Commission’s work, Propertymark is pleased to see a focus on professionalising the sector and equalising tax across long and short-term letting.”

He added: “However, mandatory qualifications and licensing of letting agents is key rather than minimum training requirements and the review places too much emphasis on rent control or rent stabilisation measures without understanding the impact of rent cap measures we have seen in Scotland.”

Aims to overhaul the UK’s PRS

The review aims to overhaul the UK’s PRS with input from a wide range of groups, including academics and trade unions.

Propertymark has urged Labour to consider reversing the decision to end mortgage tax relief for landlords, a move which has led to increased rents.

Mr Douglas said: “Essentially, the way to bring down the cost of renting is to increase the supply of homes to rent.

“There is also little reference to having a written tenancy agreement, compulsory inventory checks to prevent disputes and investment in local authorities to carry out inspections and enforcement – these are some of the fundamentals that all policymakers should be focusing on if they want standards to increase across the board.”

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