NRLA backs landlord database plan

NRLA backs landlord database plan

9:53 AM, 6th August 2024, About A week ago 34

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The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has thrown its weight behind government plans for a new landlord database, insisting it could be a tool to weed out criminal landlords.

However, it warns against unnecessary red tape for responsible landlords.

As a member of the Lettings Advisory Board, the NRLA has helped shape proposals for the new Labour government.

That includes a landlord database, which the NRLA believes can ‘create transparency of property safety and drive rogue landlords from the sector’.

The board, established by property portal Zoopla, aims to improve the private rented sector (PRS) for landlords, tenants and industry professionals.

Driving rogue and criminal landlords out

The NRLA’s deputy director for campaigns, public affairs and policy, Meera Chindooroy, said: “We are committed to raising standards and driving rogue and criminal landlords out of the sector and – implemented in the right way – the new database can help do that.

“We know from our own research that the approach to enforcement varies across local authority areas.

“The new system has the potential to challenge these disparities in a simple and affordable way, allowing councils to focus on identifying and dealing with landlords who are not compliant.”

She adds: “The NRLA has already met with housing minister Matthew Pennycook and will work constructively to bring about fair and workable reform that will allow the government to meet its commitment to tenants while supporting responsible landlords and encouraging investment.”

Raise standards in the private rented sector

The NRLA says it has been vocal about government aims to raise standards in the private rented sector (PRS) – without adding to the administrative burden faced by landlords.

The board has now written to new government with a set of proposals for the PRS which includes:

  • Raise standards by levelling the playing field for those letting and managing rented homes
  • Safeguard the quality of accommodation
  • Help tenants know the property they are renting is safe.
  • Help regulatory authorities to identify those who do not meet the required standards.

Importance of having industry input

The letter also stresses the importance of having industry input when designing the database to ensure it delivers its intended purposes and is linked to the ambition for a decent homes standard.

The board says a database that is accessible to property portals and lenders could create automated regulation and enforcement, allowing local authorities to focus their efforts on properties that do not hold required safety certificates.

More details about the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill are expected when it is published later this year.


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Peter Collard

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9:21 AM, 10th August 2024, About 4 days ago

A simple database with links to EPC, deposits, gas checks, electrical checks and a three year condition check would be cheap and easy to implement.

Carchester

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9:42 AM, 10th August 2024, About 4 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 06/08/2024 - 17:34
..... and their response will be "sorry we cannot provide this information as it is captured by Data Protection legislation"

The circle is complete.

Carchester.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:00 AM, 10th August 2024, About 4 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Carchester at 10/08/2024 - 09:42
they can't use that excuse as council meetings are public record.

The FOI asks no financial information so they can't use that excuse here either.

What you are asking for is how and why the decision for a database was implemented and how THEY are monitoring how 'effective' having it on place, is. The cost is paid by the public so it is public money that is finding it and so they are accountable to show how this has been used.

Copy in the findings to the MP then use this as a reason for requesting a meeting with them if it is clear that they cannot show evidence of how it has achieved what it set out to do.

Carchester

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10:28 AM, 10th August 2024, About 4 days ago

My council has refused to provide me with details of information purportedly under the Data Protection Act. It was nonsense and evasive designed to protect their interest over and above mine.

Wrote to MP - she was on the same hue as the council wallahs.

Never had the courtesy of a reply to correspondence.

Carchester.

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