Articles by Nick Clay
Independent landlords under threat from renters’ reform: Fall out could push up rental costs
This report sets out landlord responses to the recently published White Paper - A Fairer Private Rented Sector.Over 3,000 landlords who rent property in England took part in the consultation. Landlords feel the proposals in the White Paper threaten the supply of housing in the PRS.Landlords will either exit/reduce holdings in the residential market. The changes also make the short term and holiday market more attractive: The consequences for private renters could be profound.
In Focus (2022, Qtr 3): Economic Influences and LGBTQ+ issues
The Quarter 3 consultation examines the impact that rising interest rates and inflation is having on landlords and the PRS. The report looks at landlords and LGBTQ+ tenants. It identifies some key issues, and a potential role for the NRLA in supporting landlords whose tenants are victims of hate crimes.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.15: 2022 Q3
Quarter 3 is the quarter in which landlord confidence collapsed. This follows a two-quarter period in which confidence dipped from highs. Rising tenant demand has done little to raise landlord morale. Rising interest rates, rising inflation and rising concerns about forthcoming legislation are all combining. The result is a rising proportion of landlords selling properties, reducing supply.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.14: 2022 Q2
Quarter 2 has seen a continuation in the confidence dip which began in the previous quarter. Perceived demand has moved to record levels. However the proportion of landlords looking to sell has risen for the third consecutive quarter. Increasing costs and regulation are all factors which are contributing to the decision to sell. In the last twelve months 54% of landlords froze rents. Twelve months ago, the equivalent statistic was 73%.
Tenant Survey pt.2: Energy bills and efficiency
This is the second and final post on the recent Tenant Survey from the summer of 2022. This post reports on the impact of rising utility bills on tenants. For those tenants who have reached out to their landlord, a positive response has often been typical. It is going to be a difficult winter. Landlords and tenants should discuss forthcoming bill hikes and be fully aware of how the winter may play out.
Don't worry - tenants love you!
This is the first of two blog posts reporting on a survey of tenants conducted in August 2022. It reveals strong landlord tenant relations - tenants are very happy with their landlord and standard of their rented property. It also found that changing property needs and lack of choice is contributing to a supply issue in the PRS. Tenants are having increasing difficulty securing a property they want.
In Focus (2022, Qtr 1): Universal Credit, Local Housing Allowance & Welfare
This consultation with members focused on Universal Credit and the experiences of landlords and their tenants. Difficulties with Universal Credit diminish but persist. The process of Universal Credit still means landlords face arrears through no fault of either themselves or their tenants. This consultation also reveals landlords need to start preparations for HMRC's Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.13: 2022 Q1
After a run of increasing confidence, the Quarter 1 survey presented a picture of uncertainty. Not only has confidence dipped, but the proportion of landlords planning to sell has risen. Landlord costs and the regulatory framework are key reasons underpinning this loss of confidence. This survey was undertaken before the 2022 Queen's Speech and announcements of proposed reforms to the PRS.
Adaptations & the PRS: a clear market failure
This post takes a closer look at one of the key themes from In Focus. There is an increasing need for property adapted for tenants and their family members who have specific needs in order to lead independent lives. There is a generous grant for landlords to cover costs. Many local authorities are willing to help landlords. Yet few landlords have tenants who require adaptations. Why? This post explores some of the issues.
In Focus (2021 Qtr 4): Accessibility, safety and standards
Over 1,000 landlords participated in this survey. The survey focused on accessibility. The analysis provides a landlord perspective on why there aren't more properties in the PRS for those who require specific adaptations to live independently. Clear market failure is identified. The research indicates how take up of opportunity could be increased through better partnership between landlord and local authority.
