Deep Insight
These blog posts are written to prompt discussion and debate about the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in the UK.
The posts provide more detail on trends which emerge in our analysis of datasets in the Observatory. They also highlight specific topics and comments landlords make in our regular or occasional surveys.
Academics, policy makers and practitioners also make regular contributions to the blog.
Research webinar - July 2020
The slides from the Research Observatory webinar, held in July 2020, are available here. This webinar introduces the Research Observatory team, and the role research plays in the NRLA. The webinar also introduces the Landlord Confidence Index as well as the results of the Quarter 2 landlords survey
Rental prices and real wages - the gap continues to grow
The lack of affordability of private rented properties in key locations has been the focus of fierce debate. The gap between rents and wages is again growing. Again the problem is not with surging prices but a dramatic fall in wages.
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.
Landlords & their sparing use of Section 21: The evidence is clear & consistent
This post reviews a range of landlord surveys which have investigated their use of Section 21. Despite the range of samples, methodologies, and responses in these studies a consistent pattern emerges. A typical landlord rarely uses Section 21. When they do so, it reflects frustration with alternatives.
The need for a Housing Court
Dr David Smith sets out the case for a dedicated Housing Court. Such a court would restore confidence among landlords and tenants. This article first appeared in the FT in February 2020 and is reporduced here with kind permission of the Financial Times.
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