Survey reveals tenants’ and landlords’ expectations from the Labour government

An impressive 60% of tenants and landlords want reduced landlord taxation and lower stamp duty on home purchases, a survey reveals.

Leaders Roman Group (LRG) set out to learn the priorities of those in the private rented sector of Labour’s first 100 days in office.

This result, the firm says, reflects a shared understanding that higher landlord taxes lead to increased rents, and a desire among tenants to transition to homeownership.

‘Landlords offer Labour a clear roadmap’

Allison Thompson, the national lettings managing director at LRG, said: “The shared concerns of tenants and landlords offer Labour a clear roadmap for action.

“By addressing these concerns promptly, the government has a unique opportunity to create a balanced and sustainable rental market.

“Leaders Romans Group urges Labour to listen to these voices and take decisive steps to implement the necessary reforms.”

‘Parties continue to scapegoat landlords’

One landlord told researchers: “Both major parties continue to scapegoat landlords when the real problem in rental sectors is the lack of supply.

“By imposing tax costs, landlord selective licencing and extra red tape, all that the politicians achieve is fewer flats to rent.

“Restricted supply and ever-increasing demand can only lead to higher rents. Ultimately, it will always be to the tenants’ detriment.”

Two key areas for immediate rental reform

The survey also identified two key areas for immediate rental reform with the re-introduction of a Help to Buy scheme gaining support from 34% of tenants and 30% of landlords.

Also, 31% of tenants and 28% of landlords favoured a decent homes standard.

Affordability and fair rent controls were crucial for 45% of tenants, though only 10% of landlords agreed.

A tenant said: “The incoming government must prioritise affordability. The cost of renting has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.”

However, one landlord warned: “Any rent restrictions and the abolition of S21 will encourage more landlords to sell up and this will cause a shortage of property to rent and thus higher rents.”

Social housing investment

Investment in social housing was a priority for 45% of landlords, while only 25% of tenants saw this as important.

Interestingly, only 12% of tenants and 1% of landlords felt the Renters (Reform) Bill was crucial.

When asked which political party best protects their rental interests, 64% of landlords and 17% of tenants supported the Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, 15% of landlords and 53% of tenants believed Labour would address their concerns most effectively.

Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats each garnered 12% support from both groups.

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