Articles by Nick Clay
LSE pinpoint landlords' tax disadvantage
The NRLA commissioned the LSE to draw out the implications of recent tax changes and the Covid pandemic for the private rented sector. The study also benchmarks the tax demands placed on landlords compared to their peers in other developed economies. Mainly as a result of changes since 2015, the authors conclude about the taxation system: "[It] now lies at the ungenerous end of the spectrum...of landlord tax regimes."
Landlords underpin tenant debt reduction
In November the NRLA surveyed over 2,000 tenants in the Private Rented Sector (PRS). This is the second survey of tenants undertaken in 2021. The survey shows tenant debt has fallen as has the number of tenant households in debt. The survey provides yet more evidence that landlords have been writing off tenant arrears accumulated since the onset of Covid-19.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.11: 2021 Q3
The Quarter 3 survey of landlord confidence shows an increase above the previous quarter's then-record level of confidence. This quarter, it has been an increase in confidence among landlords with London-based portfolio which has propelled the index. HOWEVER - confidence is still negative across the country (with the exception of the South West which recorded the first ever 'neutral' score).
Green Homes Grants: What went wrong? What went right?
Whilst the long-term target of government is to enable more than 600,000 homes in England to become more energy efficient, the GHG voucher scheme made only a modest contribution to meeting that target. However the scheme's failings and resultant low take-up does not negate the need for a scheme. The conclusion from the evidence presented here is that for those landlords who wished to address EPC levels, the GHG voucher provided invaluable support.
In Focus (2021 Qtr 2): Licensing & regulation
The quarter 2 survey looked at landlords' recent experience of licensing. Possible policy innovations are also tested. There is support for regulatory regimes among landlords IF an impact can be demonstrated - this is something which both local authorities and national initiatives (Rent Smart Wales) have failed to do. This In Focus also reports on a collaboration with Battersea Dogs' Home.
NRLA tenant survey: separating facts from fiction
This post reports on the tenant survey commissioned by the NRLA in May 2021.The survey found three-quarters of tenants had paid their rent as normal throughout the pandemic.The post gives a tenant-based estimate of the arrears facing landlords. A substantial proportion of tenants are looking to move out of urban areas in the next twelve months.
Research Webinar - April 2021
This research webinar introduced our recently awarded MRS Company Partner accreditation. Recent trends in landlord confidence were presented along with key findings from recent quarterly surveys. The presentation also reviewed other recent research - such as that in Wales and London. Finally the presentation previewed forthcoming research, including a collaboration with the LSE.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.9: 2021 Q1
The 2021 Qtr1 survey shows a marked upturn in confidence from the previous quarter. Confidence is increasing across England and Wales: in London however, the increase could at best be described as marginal. Both the West Midalnds and the South West have seen surges in confidence. Over 85% of landlords reported as either having frozen or reduced rents over the last twelve months.
In Focus (2020 Qtr 4): Safety and standards
Every quarter the NRLA ask landlords about how policy is impacting on their property business.The Quarter 4 survey asked about Safety and Standards, focusing on the demands of electrical safety, EICR renewals and energy efficiency. Landlords were also asked about the possible impact of a raised minimum EPC threshold.
Rent controls in London - follow the evidence. Please
The outcome of London's mayoral election may be followed by a renewed push for a rent control system to be imposed in the capital. The NRLA have long pointed to evidence, put forward by economists from both the left and the right, that rent controls rarely have the desired effects on the rental market. Where controls exist, tenants and would-be tenants - as well as landlords - get a raw deal.
