NRLA warns of enforcement challenges for the Renters' Rights Bill
It might still be progressing through the House of Lords, but the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has issued a stark warning that the Renters' Rights Bill is at risk of failing.
The organisation warns that will happen because there isn't a robust plan for its enforcement.
It points to issues such as addressing hazardous damp and mould, the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard and creating a new database of private rented properties.
The NRLA is also emphasising the need for effective measures against criminal landlords.
'Decent, responsible landlords'
The chief executive of the NRLA, Ben Beadle, said: "For too long the vast majority of decent, responsible landlords have been tarnished by the actions of a minority of rogue operators failing to provide good enough housing.
"If planned reforms are to work, councils need to up their game at finding and rooting out those who have no place renting property out and making it easier for the law-abiding majority providing decent and safe homes."
He adds: "Our report suggests local authorities will struggle to enforce much of what is in the Renters' Rights Bill.
"Without further action, the only winners from all this will be the minority of unscrupulous landlords."
Struggling with existing pressures
The Renters' Rights Bill will bring big changes that councils must enforce but those authorities are already struggling with existing pressures.
The NRLA says that Freedom of Information data reveals that less than half of the fines imposed on criminal landlords in England were collected between 2021 and 2023.
Also, 49% of English councils did not issue a single fine against criminal landlords during this period.
And with the Bill set to become law before the summer, there's a serious financial scenario building with one in four councils in England potentially needing emergency government bailouts to avoid bankruptcy.
Councils are also facing demands to manage reforms in their organisational structures, increase housing development and cope with the ongoing crisis in adult social care.
Tackle the minority of landlords
The NRLA says that with so many distractions, councils may lack the time, focus and resources required to enforce the Bill and tackle the minority of landlords tarnishing the sector's reputation.
To address these challenges, the NRLA is proposing several measures:
· The Government should publish a comprehensive assessment of local authority enforcement teams' current and future resource needs related to the Renters' Rights Bill
· Councils should be required to release an annual report on enforcement activities within the private rented sector.
· Efforts should be made to avoid duplicating resources between the planned private sector landlord and property database and local landlord licensing schemes.
· A new national post of Chief Environmental Health Officer should be created to champion better enforcement.
Bill aims to reform the PRS
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "While the Renters' Rights Bill aims to reform the PRS, its success hinges on effective enforcement.
"The NRLA's report highlights that without a comprehensive plan and adequate resources, local authorities may struggle to uphold the new standards."
He added: "It's crucial that councils are equipped to enforce these reforms, otherwise we risk leaving responsible landlords in a difficult position and tenants without the protection they deserve.
"The government must assess and address the current capabilities of local enforcement teams, and only then can we ensure that criminal landlords are held accountable."
