Licensing expert calls for new landlord registration scheme
Phil Turtle of Landlord Licensing and Defence says the Government should copy Jersey's example, where a new database of landlords has been introduced.
Property law expert Phil Turtle (main picture) has called on the Government to copy Jersey’s example and develop a national database for all landlord property owners.
Turtle, of Landlord Licensing and Defence, says it could be a “game-changer”, offering a more effective way to monitor the PRS and potentially ending the need for selective licensing schemes.
Licensing model
He was reacting to the news that the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is in discussions with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook about a landlord database.
Turtle says the NRLA should back his call for the Government to adopt a property licensing model like Jersey’s where a two-year rental property licence costs £60.
This would mean that landlords in England and Wales would need to provide valid gas safety certificates, detailed floor plans and other required documentation to obtain a licence.
A database that records all legally required documentation makes it harder for criminal landlords to operate.”
Turtle says: “A database that records all legally required documentation makes it harder for criminal landlords to operate, eliminating the need for selective licensing.
“Most landlord properties are not inspected under the current scheme, and landlords face hefty fines for minor issues,” he says.
“Jersey’s scheme offers better value, checking documents every two years, which benefits tenants.”
Illegal
In Jersey, the Rented Dwelling Licensing Scheme, which came in on 1 May, legally requires landlords to hold a licence for each home they rent out.
From 1 August, it is illegal for a landlord to rent without a licence, and inspections may need to take place before a licence is granted.
According to the Government of Jersey, more than 15,000 licences have been applied for and have either been issued or are in the process of being issued.
The Jersey Landlords Association says it strongly supports the aim of improving housing standards in Jersey’s rented sector, but is disappointed at “the disorderly roll-out”.
Licensing is additional Bureaucracy and red tape that i don’t think we should be encouraging ( just because its a least burdensome version than current selective licensing ) Local Authority have more than ample legislation to deal with any property defects and its quite easy for them to react to information and complaints. If they did more inspecting and less licensing, they would be more effective. If it ‘ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ I worry about landlord proponents trying to advocate for something ‘against landlords’ because its the lesser of two evils.
Unbelievable. Landlords are leaving the private rented sector at a greater rate than ever before and you are giving the Government an idea for yet another layer of administration and cost for Landlords. I really can’t think why they are leaving in such numbers!
As always, these well intentioned schemes end up costing the end user more. If Landlords have to spend yet more money and greater risk then they will pass it on with higher rents, why wouldn’t they?
When will people wake up and lose this ridiculous entitled view that Landlords are just there to provide housing for the masses. It is a business and if Landlords cannot earn then why on earth should they do it – just stick the money in a high interest account and sit back with no risk of fines, no risk of massive legal costs when a Tenant decides not to leave, no risk of ever increasing repair costs and no stress. All for a very similar return on investment. It is any wonder why new investor Landlords are an endangered species.
Well said David! You are bang on.
All the legislation is already in place that landlords must comply with.
This would be yet another layer of costly bureaucracy.
More landlords will leave. Our population crises continues unabated.
Anyone see a problem?