Shelter and Generation Rent: It’s time to own what you’ve done

As Shelter bemoans the rising tide of homelessness with fears that thousands could be evicted from their homes in time for Christmas, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the very organisation that has contributed significantly to this crisis.

I’m sure they won’t like it, but Shelter – who don’t offer homes to anyone despite being loaded with cash – along with Generation Rent have actively encouraged the scapegoating of landlords.

The relentless anti-landlord rhetoric and misguided policies advocated by groups like Shelter have exacerbated the problem of homelessness.

Their narrative that paints landlords as greedy profiteers, ignores the complex realities of what is happening in the private rented sector.

Force landlords to increase rents

We have rising costs which force us to increase rents to maintain properties and meet our financial obligations.

Let’s spell this out for the hard of thinking.

Selective licensing – the tenant pays. EPC improvement work – ditto. Rising mortgage costs must be met with higher rents.

Tenants pay rent to meet routine maintenance bills, and upgrades such as flooring and new appliances.

We also face letting agent fees, tax (most of us under section 24 see our rental income push us into the higher rate tax bands), accountant fees and insurance premiums.

Council tax when no one lives in the property and lots (and I mean LOTS) of unpaid time and effort in running what is a business.

Despite all this, we are still accused of exploitation.

Influenced by tenant advocacy groups

For me, the government’s misguided policies, which are heavily influenced by tenant advocacy groups, have further undermined the rental market.

Section 24 tax changes hurt us, and the Renters’ Rights Bill will make it increasingly difficult for landlords to operate.

If we can’t turn a profit, however small, we must sell. That’s not through choice but necessity.

So, if we sell, there are fewer homes to rent which, in case you hadn’t noticed is putting up rents.

And your solution is what? Rent controls? See above.

Never-ending tenancies – I don’t think so.

Longer time limits for not paying rent before eviction. Again, why should we put up with disastrous losses?

Campaign against landlords

Shelter’s relentless campaign against landlords has created a climate of fear and uncertainty.

I’ve said before that its chief executive Polly Neat has managed to malign every decent and hard-working landlord in the country without any comeback.

We accept there are bad landlords out there – but don’t tar us all with the same brush.

Do you accept that there are bad tenants out there? None at all?

You should see what we have to put up with before committing to an answer.

Outlets like the BBC shame the notion that they should deliver impartial reporting, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an even-handed report about the PRS.

And they are meant to be the national broadcaster, but that level of poor output sets the tone for how landlords are seen and treated.

Buy new homes for rent

The upshot is that landlords are reluctant to buy new homes for rent – especially after Labour’s diabolical Budget.

With the Renters’ Rights Bill we face the unpalatable prospect of legal battles to put up rent if the tenant goes to a tribunal, and long and costly legal battles to evict.

So now is the time to acknowledge the role that tenant organisations have played in this growing crisis.

While their intentions may be well-meaning, their tactics have had unintended consequences.

By vilifying landlords and advocating for policies that restrict our rights, they have inadvertently created a shortage of rental properties and driven up costs for tenants.

As we approach the festive season, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of landlords are not heartless profiteers.

We are individuals who provide vital housing to millions of people. We help when we can. Many tenants don’t recognise the awful landlords you portray.

The challenges we face

By recognising the challenges we face and working collaboratively to find solutions, we can create a more stable and equitable rental market.

It’s time for a change in approach.

Instead of demonising us, we should encourage investment in the rental sector.

That means – and you should support this – providing tax incentives, reducing regulatory burdens and fostering a more supportive environment.

By incentivising landlords to invest and maintain high-quality rental properties, we all win.

Shelter and Generation Rent should shift its focus from attacking landlords to advocating for policies that increase the supply of affordable housing.

By working together, we can address the root causes of homelessness and create a future where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.

Let’s face it, landlords will have to bear the brunt of a clueless and vindictive government making laws that hurt us, while Shelter and Generation Rent fuels the fire. Please stop.

Until next time,

The Landlord Crusader

Share This Article