Labour leader Ed Miliband is calling for a nationwide regulation of the private rented sector, including landlords as well as letting agents.

In his recent 'One Nation' speech, Miliband pushed for greater regulation within the industry, including a national register of landlords, greater transparency and more clarity with regards to "confusing" fees.

In his speech to the Fabian Society, Miliband said:

"We cannot have two nations divided between those who own their own homes and those who rent. Most people who rent have responsible landlords and rental agencies. But there are too many rogue landlords and agencies either providing accommodation which is unfit or ripping off their tenants.”

 

"And too many families face the doubt of a two-month notice period before being evicted. Imagine being a parent with kids settled in a local school and your family settled in your home for two, three, four years, facing that sort of uncertainty."

Miliband also pointed out that for the first time in 50 years, the private rented sector has now eclipsed the social rented sector.

3.6 million households now live in privately rented homes, many of those are doing so long term. Much of this housing is deemed "well below standard".
Miliband added:

"We would introduce a national register of landlords and greater powers for local authorities to root out and strike off the rogues.

"We would end the confusing, inconsistent and opaque fees and charges regime, making fees easily understandable, upfront and comparable. And we will seek to remove the barriers that stand in the way of longer-term tenancies."

This speech was made with good timing as  Baroness Hayter has just tabled a proposal in the House of Lords to make letting agents as accountable as estate agents, drawing them both under the same legislative umbrella.

This speech now commits the party to a manifesto promise for the next election. In the past it has been seen that the Party’s “Words have spoken louder than actions” and with Milliband’s speech this may not be the case in future.