18th
Mar 2022
A cross party think tank is demanding the government to drastically reform the private rental sector.
The independent think tank Social Market Foundation has published its report on reforms of the PRS despite the majority of renters are more than happy with their current ‘residences’ and landlords, however it seems that many parties and organisations still want to introduce new reforms.
The report includes four key areas of improvements:
- Increasing the stability of tenancy agreements
- A large majority of renters support a fixed minimum contract length: 69 per cent of those questioned by the report authors would be in favour of setting this at 24 months.
- Giving renters more control over their homes
- Making it easier to keep pets or make reasonable alterations, such as to décor or energy efficiencyIncrease the accountability of landlords
- Through a ‘Good Home, Good Landlord’ kitemark scheme, developed in consultation with renters to recognise landlords that offer good, and not just decent, accommodation.
- Improve the standards of private rented properties
- Offer tax incentives for landlords to invest in improvements that align with Good Home Good Landlord kitemark.
- The think tank’s survey was carried out with 1,300 UK adults renting private accommodation by a polling organisation.
The survey/report was sponsored by a lender, however SMF states it remained in total control of its recommendations and findings from the survey.
The bank’s spokesperson, says: “In our experience, the vast majority of landlords seek to provide a good quality home and enjoy a healthy relationship with their tenants; the significant investment in private rented property by landlords has helped drive up standards over the past 15 years and today homes in the sector are generally newer, larger and more energy efficient than ever before."
“We always seek ways to improve the experience of renting further and welcome the recommendations contained in the report. People from all walks of life now call the private rented sector home and we must strive to create a sector that meets everybody’s needs.”
News Archive »