24th
Oct 2024
A report by the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission
highlights the crucial role PRS
private landlords play in addressing the housing crisis.
Image credit: iStock
The Commission also supports a landlord’s
association’s call for the government to spell out how the court process
system for repossessions will be ready for the Renters’ Rights Bill.
This report comes at a time when a
Proptech firm has warned that the English tribunal system is near
to breaking point and is not equipped to handle the
potential influx of new claims resulting from the Renters’ Rights Bill.
A spokesperson for the PRS association is calling for Ministers to provide a
comprehensive strategy for how the court system will handle
the influx of cases once the Renters’ Rights Bill is enacted.
He said: “We warmly welcome today’s report. Renters across
the country are struggling due to a chronic shortage of homes to rent to meet
demand. They need more choice. As the Commission notes, both institutional and
private landlords have a critical role to play in meeting the country’s housing
needs.
“The government should also accept the Commission’s call
for a plan to improve the justice system alongside the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Ministers have pledged to ensure the courts are ready for the changes in the
Bill. It’s time for clarity about what ‘ready’ means for the sake of tenants
and responsible landlords.”
The report emphasizes the need for a change in mindset towards the
private rental sector..
The report said: “Historically, renting has often been
perceived as a ‘second-class’ tenure and policies have prioritised ownership at
all costs. It is crucial that not only those who are renters of necessity but
also those that are renters of choice have the opportunity to live in
sustainable, high-quality and safe homes.
It continues: “Both institutional and private landlords
have a critical role in the housing market and should be engaged with on an
equal basis to volume housebuilders.”
Matthew Pennycook has previously reassured landlords that they have nothing to
fear from the Renters’ Rights Bill. He has pledged to collaborate with colleagues at
the Ministry of Justice to ensure the courts are prepared.
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