NRLA criticises plans for PRS Decent Homes Standard

NRLA criticises plans for PRS Decent Homes Standard

11:06 AM, 2nd September 2022, About 2 years ago 5

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The National Residential Landlords’ Association (NRLA) says that the government should not be considering a move to extend the Decent Homes Standard from social housing to the private sector.

Instead, it should be focused on simplifying existing laws that target criminal landlords.

When the plans for a Decent Homes Standard for the private sector were first mooted in February, the NRLA said this was ‘not the right vehicle’ for achieving such an important goal.

They added that criminal landlords would continue undermining the reputation of the vast majority of decent landlords who are ‘doing the right thing’.

The NRLA’s reaction comes after the government revealed it was launching a consultation for landlords, councils, tenants and housing groups that would see the standard covering private rentals.

‘Poorer conditions private tenants must put up with’

The proposed move has been welcomed by Generation Rent who say that not enough action has been taken on the ‘poorer conditions private tenants must put up with’.

The organisation’s director, Alicia Kennedy, said: “There is no reason why private tenants should expect a worse service than social tenants.

“This crucial measure will help tenants get value for money, whoever they rent from, and stop landlords from profiting by cutting corners.”

Most renters are happy in their home

However, the NRLA points to the regular surveys of tenant sentiments which find that most renters are happy in their home.

They are also urging that the 170 laws that cover the sector currently should be simplified.

The NRLA is also calling for councils to be resourced properly to deal with criminal landlords in the sector.

‘Standards in the PRS are improving’

Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the NRLA, said: “Standards in the private rented sector are improving.

“That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.”

He added: “The Government’s plans should focus on making it easier for private landlords, tenants and councils to understand what is expected of them by simplifying the almost 170 laws already affecting the sector.

‘Crucial differences between private and social rented housing’

“The plans need to also recognise crucial differences between private and social rented housing, including in the age and types of properties in each.

“In the end, all the laws in the world will do nothing without improved enforcement against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority.

“That requires properly resourced councils tackling the criminals and rogues, whilst allowing the responsible majority to easily prove their home is safe and compliant.”


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Paul Essex

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12:22 PM, 2nd September 2022, About 2 years ago

Why is it so hard to understand that 'driving up standards' requires money, which comes from tenants so drives up rents!

People are in low cost 'rogue' housing because they cannot afford better or are illegals. This will just end up pushing these poor people into even worse temporary housing, probably a long way from work, schools and friends.

Luke P

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12:23 PM, 2nd September 2022, About 2 years ago

SRS is worse than PRS and if they truly want parity, then there’d be a lot more legislation heading the SRS’s way…!

Ian Narbeth

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14:18 PM, 2nd September 2022, About 2 years ago

It is disappointing that the NRLA is adopting the language of the White Paper. It does not refer to rogue landlords but promotes us to criminal landlords.
Give Councils the power to threaten landlords with criminal prosecution and some will use it at every opportunity. Instead of providing guidance and assistance to landlords they will threaten all and sundry (including the "responsible majority") with career-threatening and business- destroying consequences for whatever the infraction is. If you are short-staffed and over-worked then an aggressive warning letter will be seen as most likely to yield speedy results.
This will drive even more decent landlords with a single property or a small portfolio out of the PRS.

Saul Smart

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16:07 PM, 2nd September 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 02/09/2022 - 14:18
It is disappointing but not really surprising let's face it. We are talking about a respresention organisation here that has seriously failed to represent properly it's fee paying members at every turn for many years.... tho they make plenty of £££s at selling courses so it's all ok!

Mick Roberts

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8:25 AM, 3rd September 2022, About 2 years ago

I'll keep repeating this, as applies to many attacks on us lately.

Who's paying for this then?
Cause if tenants are paying cheap rent ie. Landlord looking after em, & then Council want £350 or £600 & maybe £5000 or £30,000 to upgrade from E to a C, Landlord then says I can no longer look after u with cheap rent. Cheap rent doesn't pay for these outgoings, I've now got to charge u what the Landlord is charging his better off tenants up the road who's paying more to live in that New build.

Has anyone asked the tenants what they want? We know they want the better house, but when u give them choice I can give u New build for £1000pm or still decent house but not New build standards for £700pm, I know what most tenants say.

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