Parliament enquiry into effect of Coronavirus on PRS

15:57 PM, 22nd April 2020, About 5 years ago 3

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The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is inviting written evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness, rough sleeping, and the private rented sector, as well as any other connected issues.

In particular, the Committee is interesting in finding out:

How effective has the support provided by MHCLG and other Government departments in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on those in the private rented sector, rough sleepers, and the homeless?

What problems remain a current and immediate concern for these groups?

What might be the immediate post-lockdown impacts for these groups, and what action is needed to help with these?

Click here to submit your evidence

Your submission should:

be concise – if over 3,000 words, include a short summary as well
include an introduction to you or your organisation and your reason for submitting evidence
not already be published

The Government has introduced a number of schemes intended to support people in the private rented sector, including halting evictions for 3 months and raising the Local Housing Allowance rate.

However, there are concerns about the short and long-term impact of these strategies, including the quality of accommodation and access to amenities, such as s for homeless people in temporary accommodation and the exit strategy when social distancing measures are reduced. There are also concerns about people in the private rented sector who may build up rent arrears over the coming months and still face eviction when the three month ban expires.

The inquiry will examine how effective the Government support has been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector or who are homeless. It will also look at what long term strategies will need to be put in place to support both groups in the long-term, once current measures expire.

Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Clive Betts MP said:

“It is vital that those in precarious living situations are supported by the Government. We must ensure that people without homes and those sleeping rough are protected during this health crisis. Equally, people cannot be forced to leave their homes at a time when finding a new place to live simply isn’t possible

“However, we must also look at what will happen a month from now and beyond. Where will those currently housed in hotels go when the Everyone In scheme expires? What happens in three months time when the eviction ban lapses for people who have no job and now owe three months rent?”

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Comments

David Lester

13:18 PM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

Will they listen and take notice, or is it just a paper exercise?

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Mick Roberts

17:13 PM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

As soon as Corbyn opened his mouth & said tenants need a rent holiday, that was me and many other Landlords thought U know what, I've had enough, when mine come empty, another reason to sell. The less sympathetic, compassionate, no morals no conscience Landlord may have gave notice just after those words.
One reason too many to push another so many too far.

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Norwood Man

21:52 PM, 25th April 2020, About 5 years ago

Why on earth would any landlord give a response to this call for evidence? Notice the emphasis in the above quotes and where the emphasis is. All on the poor old tenant. Nothing about the impact on those greedy, aggressive inhuman landlords.
It is patently obvious that the anti-landlord tide will not turn soon. While Shelter get away with their anti-capitalist rhetoric and the piggy-bank-of-landlord continues to be raided by the Exchequer, no-one will listen to residential property investors.
It is clear that only when the supply of available rental properties drops significantly, when the only landlords who can afford to rent out to tenants are those who avoid all the costly regulation and taxation and tenants end up paying even more will anything be done.
And what will happen then? The landlords will be blamed for the high rents and low standards. So will regulation and taxation be relaxed? Not on your nelly! Rent controls will come in, more money will be thrown at enforcement and tenant powers and rights will be further enhanced. Because there are many more tenants than landlords and thus a lot more voters.
I am joining the ranks of landlords selling up (and certainly not investing in more BTLs) over the coming year to focus on property development. At least you are then treated as a "proper" business.

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