Articles by Nick Clay

Possession Reform in the PRS: Section 21

Section 21 has provided an important assurance to landlords that they can regain possession of their property in legitimate circumstances. In response to proposed reform, this is the largest ever non-government survey of the PRS. It establishes what Section 21 means to landlords, agents and those supporting the supply of private rented properties.

Special Report Nick Clay 19/07/2019
Possession Reform in the PRS: Section 21

Rent Controls & the PRS

This report documents the experience of cities which have been subject to some form of rent control. The paper highlights the inescapable truth that rent controls simply do not work.

Special Report Nick Clay 28/10/2019
Rent Controls & the PRS

Landlords put on brave face as impact of Coronavirus outbreak begins to bite

In March the RLA undertook a survey of its members examining how the Coronavirus crisis has affected them, their relationship with tenants and their property business. The survey finds landlords are nervous and feeling somwhat overlooked by government. There was however broad support for strands of the government's response.

Special Report Nick Clay 06/04/2020
Landlords put on brave face as impact of Coronavirus outbreak begins to bite

Profit is coming from relationships, not price increases

The broader economic environment remains somewhat bleak, but rather than allow this to add to the gloom, Nick Clay, suggests the positive relationships RLA members have with tenants will see them through these less certain times.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 28/06/2019
Profit is coming from relationships, not price increases

Lending figures continue to show hesitant PRS

New figures from the FCA/Bank of England on the value of residential loans and buy-to-let activity do not yet show the PRS is back to being a favoured vehicle for UK investors and entrepreneurs.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 09/07/2019
Lending figures continue to show hesitant PRS

Section 21 & Landlord Experience

The NRLA has been aware of pressure to reform legislation which impacts on the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Yet Section 21 is a commonly used mechanism by landlords: This note reviews the 2018 Quarter 4 survey to better understand the reasons why Section 21 is needed.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 08/04/2019
Section 21 & Landlord Experience

Private Housing and price inflation - Rent growth continues to lag price indices

In this post, Nick Clay from NRLA research looks at the latest inflation figures and trends in the Index of Private Housing Rental Prices (IPHRP).

Deep Insight Nick Clay 22/07/2019
Private Housing and price inflation - Rent growth continues to lag price indices

A focus on PRS change

The rapid growth of the PRS is now levelling off. Does this represent a new equilibrium in housing tenure? NRLA researcher Nick Clay looks more carefully at the dynamics underneath the headline data.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 13/08/2019
A focus  on PRS change

Universal Credit and Landlords - some solutions for persistent roll-out problems

The 2019 Q1 State of the PRS report focuses on the roll-out of Universal Credit and the imapct it has had on landlords. The majority of landlords report that Universal Credit claimants do go into arrears, despite claims to the contrary.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 28/08/2019
Universal Credit and Landlords - some solutions for persistent roll-out problems

Landlords shine brightly... but energy efficiently

This deep dive into the 2019 Quarter 3 survey reflects on the landlord community's investment in pushing up the energy efficiency of their properties. With much more needed to be done, there is a clear case for a mechanism to bring forward investment and move energy efficiency in the PRS still closer to wider government objectives.

Deep Insight Nick Clay 19/12/2019
Landlords shine brightly... but energy efficiently