Latest Articles
The latest articles relating to the private rented sector. Looking for a press release? Head over to our press release section on the blog.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.2: 2019 Q2
This is a full draft version of the forthcoming Landlords' Confidence Index (LCI). It aims to provide a snapshot of Landlord confidence. It is being produced at a time when landlords face pressure from governments. Tax changes, regulation change and the threat of adverse legal reforms are now threatening the supply of homes in the Private rented Sector.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.3: 2019 Q3
This is the first full edition of the RLA's Landlord Confidence Index (LCI). The LCI provides a snapshot of the actions and likely future response of landlords to the current market environment. The LCI is drawn from a national (England & Wales) survey of around 2,000 landlords.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.4: 2019 Q4
Whilst the 2019 Q4 Landlords' Confidence Index (LCI) shows some improvement in optimism, it is relative. The proportion of landlords feeling less optimistic continues to be greater than those feeling more optimistic. 2019 was a year in which landlords took a battering from the legislature, and 2020 is not yet likely to offer any respite.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.5: 2020 Q1
This is the Quarter 1 Landlord Confidence Index. It considers the motivations, behaviours and key decsisions landlords are taking. It provides a barometer of supply side confidence in the Private Rented Sector.
Call of the week: Viewings and cleaning properties
As the lockdown is eased in England and Wales, the government recently released guidance on how landlords should be carrying out viewings and the moment. We recently helped one member learn more about the new rules.
Call of the Week: Universal Credit and direct payments
One of our advisers recently helped a member learn more about how they can apply for the housing element of Universal Credit to be paid directly to them.
Call of the Week: Covid-19
How the NRLA advice team helped one member learn more about temporary changes to the way Right to Rent checks must be carried out by landlords, due to the coronavirus.
Scottish tenancy reform: Some positives with more to follow?
The NRLA teamed up with the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) to give landlords and letting agents in Scotland a chance to give their views on the recent tenancy and possession reforms introduced by Holyrood. The system is new, there are concerns but there are clearly elements of the new system which are welcomed. However there is still much to do before landlords would agree the new system could be considered "a success".
Repossession waiting times: too long too often
With Section 21 on the way out, a landlord's only means for taking possession of property is through the Section 8 process. This article details how waiting times for repossession have been too high over the last 10 years, showing no real signs of improvement. Regionally a similar pattern emerges, progress is scattered and inconsistent.
The wait of justice: the slow pace of the courts in Greater London
Between 2010 and 2019 over half the courts in England and Wales were closed. The government announced investment of £1 billion to improve on-line facilities and make the court process more efficient. Have these reforms worked? This is the first of a series of blogs in which the RLA examine access to justice in the PRS.
