The Lettings Industry Council calls for collaboration to solve the housing crisis

The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) is urging a new approach to tackle the housing crisis in England.

It argues that the current method, with separate policies for different housing sectors, has failed.

In a new briefing, TLIC proposes an overarching policy addressing all housing tenures, including private rentals, social housing and homeownership.

It emphasises collaboration between tenants, landlords, property agents and the government.

‘Every agent should be trained to a minimum standard’

TLIC’s co-founder and chair, Theresa Wallace, said: “Every agent should be trained to a minimum standard according to their role.

“Without adequate knowledge, landlords can be poorly advised and could find themselves on the wrong side of the law, with tenants’ health and safety put at risk.”

Jacky Peacock, the chair and founder of Advice for Renters, said: “Having spent nearly forty years supporting renters against some of the worst landlords, it’s great to work with property professionals who care as passionately as we do about the need to transform the PRS so that it provides safe and well-managed homes for all renters.”

Significant shift in the housing market since 2000

The briefing highlights the significant shift in the housing market since 2000, with the private rented sector (PRS) growing from 10% to 19% of households.

TLIC argues this growth wasn’t driven by those involved in the PRS but by national and local housing policies lacking stakeholder input.

It also criticises the current approach of creating lots of regulations without sufficient enforcement.

TLIC reports local authorities have only 2.2 officers per 10,000 rented homes to carry out inspections.

Proposing a different approach for the housing sector

In its briefing note, TLIC is proposing a different approach for the housing sector that would include all stakeholders. Their recommendations include:

• Mandatory compliance with physical and management standards in the PRS before letting a property
• Professionalising property agents
• Significantly increasing social housing stock and reducing the number of empty properties
• Building new homes on small plots

Amending pension rules (SIPPs) to support more social housing.