Meet the Speakers: Sean Hooker, head of redress at the Property Redress Scheme
It's now just over two weeks until the 2024 NRLA Landlord Conference - with an exciting line-up of speakers giving you the inside track on all things PRS. Sanjeev Shetty talks to Sean Hooker, head of redress at the Property Redress Scheme - who shares his thoughts on legislation change up ahead - and why good landlords have nothing to fear.
“We have a very innovative sector. It will take some time but they will find a solution,” says Sean Hooker, discussing the implications of the new Renters’ Rights Bill.
“There’s nothing in there that is a game changer. It’s a different [from the previous administration's Renters (Reform) Bill] but fundamentally, it has the same principles,” he adds.
Sean was heavily involved in the previous bill that fell at the final hurdle once the election was called, and said that what the sector needs now is certainty.
He said: "The issue really is the uncertainty, as we wait to see whether what's on the table now will change. Only then can we look at how we best live with it.
"From my perspective the agents have started to say, 'yes, I think we can work with this', but landlords are more invested on an emotional level as they aren't that step removed."
Many within the industry are predicting a landlord exodus as a result of the bill – but Sean believes there is a new generation ready to take their place.
“There are a number of landlords who, no matter how much they love doing something, will say enough is enough. They’re the ones who have been doing it for 20-30 years, and as such I think, we will lose a generation of landlords over the next few years.
“However I do believe there will be new ones coming through, and they will be unincumbered by what has happened in the past, and keen to make a mark in the property industry."
Sean will be joined on stage by Lesley Horton, the Deputy Ombudsman and Kevin Williamson, Director at the Housing Ombudsman for a panel discussion at the event on Birmingham's NEC on November 6, where they will share their industry experience and discuss issues around dispute resolution.
The conference will be hosted by TV's Nick Knowles with a keynote speech from former Dragon's Den star James Caan. There will also be talks and presentations from a range of industry experts, as well as networking opportunities and more.
Click here to reserve your ticket.
