Fees could be cut in licensing review
Housing minister Jacob Young told NRLA members his proposed review of landlord licensing could see charges cut and schemes downsized during an exclusive member event today.
Less than 24 hours after the Minister saw the Renters (Reform) Bill passed by MPs, he addressed an NRLA webinar, answering member questions on the detail of the Bill.
The NRLA has argued plans to introduce a new ‘property portal’ where landlords will register properties and documents confirming they meet standards should render licensing obsolete; with the Minister confirming the planned review announced yesterday could see a significant shift in the way it operates.
Licensing was just one of the topics covered during the 45-minute session, which was chaired by NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle.
The Minister also told members that the current state of affairs, whereby local authorities will often advise tenants served with valid section 21 notice to ‘stay put’ until bailiffs arrive, is completely unacceptable.
He said the Government’s decision to undertake a full review of the court system before section 21 goes for existing tenancies is the sensible way forward.
He also revealed plans to phase-in changes to the repossession system would prevent landlords – and tenants – facing the ‘cliff edge’ experienced by landlords in Scotland and Wales during similar times of change.
Members who missed out on today’s exclusive event can catch up by watching the recording here. The recording will also be available to new members, so if you would like to join more than 108,000 fellow property professionals click here to become a member today.
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: “We are delighted the Minister was able to join us so soon after the latest amendments were passed, to give us exclusive insight into the decisions made and roadmap for change.
“This demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to ensuring the Bill is one which works for landlords as well as tenants.”
More information
To read the latest on the Bill’s progress through Parliament, and the NRLA’s work to shape recent amendments click here.
Watch: NRLA webinar with housing minister, Jacob Young MP
