Articles by Sally Walmsley
Government must axe ‘dangerous’ housing plans
The NRLA has added its voice to calls opposing plans to exempt landlords housing asylum seekers from meeting vital housing safety standards. It has signed a joint letter to Michael Gove and Suella Braverman saying it is wrong that the lives of vulnerable people should be put at risk in this way – with fears that those awaiting news of their asylum claim could be packed into dangerous, overcrowded homes.
Renters Reform: Action needed on student lets
NRLA warnings that ending fixed term tenancies for student lets could decimate the sector are gaining momentum – with the association to continue to lobby Government for change. The Renters (Reform) Bill, published last week, outlined proposals to end most fixed term tenancies, including those currently offered to students in the private rented sector to cover the academic year.
The Big Question: What do you think of Government's Renters (Reform) Bill?
The Government published its Renters (Reform) Bill this week, years after pledging change in its election manifesto. Ahead of the publication of our summer magazine we want to know what you think of the plans. Are they workable? Are they fair? What needs to change? To have your say here.
Renters (Reform) Bill: Free members' webinar
The new Renters (Reform) Bill will come under the spotlight in a webinar hosted by the NRLA’s Campaigns and Public Affairs team this week. The interactive virtual event will be held this Friday, May 19 via Zoom, with delegates able to submit questions about the Bill ahead of time.
NRLA nominated for top industry awards
The NRLA’s sell-out conference has reached the finals of the 2023 Conference & Events Awards. It has also made the shortlist for Best In-Person event at this years' Memcom Awards. Chief Executive Ben Beadle is also a finalist in the Memcom CEO Leadership category, with the association in the running for Best Trade Association.
Renters’ Reform Bill out next week
Michael Gove has confirmed the Renters’ Reform Bill will be published next week, promising the biggest shake-up in the private rented sector for over 30 years.
NRLA and Movewise to host housing roundtable
The NRLA is hosting a housing roundtable, inviting industry experts to discuss the impact of plummeting landlord confidence and what can be done to tackle it. The online event, organised together with NRLA partner Movewise, will be held on May 9.
Energy efficiency deadlines must be pushed back
Unrealistic Government deadlines for energy efficiency improvements in PRS homes must be pushed back, says the NRLA. The Government wanted to bring in changes as soon as 2025, but has yet to publish results of its consultation.
Retiring landlords make up three quarters of PRS sales
New research has shown that 73 per cent of all landlord sales in 2022 were made by landlords retiring from the sector. The supply crisis within the PRS has never been far from the headlines in recent months, with the figures suggesting the generation of landlords who benefitted from the birth of the buy-to-let mortgage in the late nineties are now starting to sell up.
NRLA Chief Executive at Gove roundtable
Michael Gove invited NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle to attend a special meeting where the Housing Secretary outlined his vision for the future of the PRS and rental reform. The association was one of 10 organisations from across the property industry invited to the roundtable at the Home Office today where Ben addressed the Housing Secretary on landlords’ concerns.
