Think tank demands changes in the PRS

A think tank is demanding the government reform the private rented sector with a list of recommendations.

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) welcomes the news of the Renters’ Reform Bill and is strongly encouraging MPs to back its key measures including scrapping Section 21.

In its ‘Raising the Roof Report’ the think tank urges the government to introduce a specialist housing court.

Help give tenants security

The Centre for Social Justice says ending no-fault evictions will help give tenants security.

The report said: “The government should follow through with the abolition of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

“This will give tenants greater security of tenure, feeling they can put down roots more easily. Further, it will give tenants greater confidence to challenge landlords through official processes where there are good reasons for doing so.”

The think tank cautions that the removal of Section 21 must not make housing “unworkable for landlords”.

“The government should ensure that the abolition of Section 21 does not make housing unworkable for landlords.

“The grounds in Section 8 must be overhauled into a robust system including mandatory grounds for landlords wishing to sell their properties, landlords and their close family members wishing to move into a rental property, and landlords needing to evict tenants where there have been repeated serious rent arrears.

“There should also be clear guidance issued around anti-social behaviour cases, and these should be prioritised in the courts.”

Large number of possession cases

The think tank says a specialist housing court will help provide reassurance to landlords and tenants.

The report said: “The introduction of a specialist housing court which would be able to process claims more efficiently. Whilst it would not be wise to introduce specialist courts for each area of law, there can be good grounds for doing so.

“In the case of housing, the need to reassure tenants and landlords that the courts can handle large numbers of possession cases means a specialist housing court is justified. It would also substantially free up judicial capacity in other areas as well.”

Good landlords provide a really important service in our economy

Sam Bruce, head of housing and communities at the Centre for Social Justice said: “Good landlords provide a really important service in our economy.

“However we also hear about the negative effects of rogue landlords, particularly among households with low incomes. We want to see more powers for local authorities to enforce against landlords who don’t comply with the law. We also support the introduction of a new property portal.

“It’s important we provide reassurance to good landlords that the market will continue to function well.”

Higher energy efficiency standards

The CSJ says it’s important to improve the energy efficiency quality of PRS homes.

The report said: “Currently, PRS properties must meet an EPC standard of E. This itself is not a particularly high bar, and we should aim for a PRS which, in general, has higher standards where reaching them is practically feasible and financially viable.

For this reason, we support the government’s aspiration for “all fuel-poor homes to be upgraded to be EPC C by 2035 where practical, cost-effective and affordable.”

The full report can be read here.