Propertymark warns renters reforms would force landlords out of PRS

Propertymark has warned the Government that its renters reforms risk fewer homes being available for tenants.

The Renters’ Reform White Paper does not give enough protection to landlords and letting agents, the industry body says.

A move towards ‘periodic tenancies’ away from fixed-term contracts means tenants can quit a property more easily, and this would be a problem for landlords who rent to students in particular.

Propertymark welcomes the Government’s commitment not to introduce rent controls, but questions the robustness of revised grounds for possession.

Without Section 21 notices, the association says landlords still need the ability to regain possession of properties in reasonable circumstances.

More consideration needs to be given to how workable measures to deal with anti-social behaviour will be, Propertymark said.

Under supply

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns for Propertymark, (pictured) says: “Our research shows many properties sold off by landlords are not returning to the rental market.

“If landlords reject the changes and no longer want to make their properties available for rent, there is a danger the private rented sector will become smaller and even more expensive.

“The knock-on effect will see local authorities under unmanageable pressure to help many households secure a suitable alternative, against a backdrop of significant under-supply of affordable homes to rent,” he says.

Read Propertymark’s response to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee’s renters’ reform inquiry in full at www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/luhc-committee-reforming-the-prs-response.html