Latest articles
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.
Appeal court win for NRLA
The Court of Appeal has sided with private landlords in a case which threatened the way they could repossess properties.
From ideas to reality: longer term tenancies and rent stabilisation
The duration of tenancies in the PRS is growing across age groups. So too is the profile of landlords. Recent research by the LSE looks at how these factors highlight the inadequacies of the current landlord-tenant relationship. There is an argument for reform, but only when backed up by proper enforcement.
Adaptations: Enabling a sustainable supply of private rented options
This post sets out the experiences of landlords trying to meet the requests of tenants and would-be tenants who are seeking homes which are adapted to the needs of the elderly of disabled. The post concludes by finding an opportunity for local authorities, the voluntary sector and private landlords to work together. This could be an opportunity to use licensing revenues constructively and raise the PRS offer to particular groups of residents.
Bright lights amid gloomy covid outlook- landlords provide helping hand for tenants
Over the first weekend in May, the NRLA undertook its second survey of landlords examining the impact of the coronavirus on the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Over 4,500 landlords responded. Landlords face reductions in rental income, extended void periods and difficulties in getting repairs done. Our members remain supportive of tenants, and receptive to tenant requests.
