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.
Homelessness is not linked to security of tenure
Research which finds that security of tenure is not a cause of increasing homelessness from the private rented sector. Rather, it is the introduction in 2008 of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) as a means of calculating Housing Benefit payments, and subsequent changes to LHA rates, that is driving the increase in homelessness from the private rented sector.
Improving the private rented sector of the future
There are a number of policy areas that are currently under greater scrutiny. These include security of tenure, standards and efforts to increase the supply of homes. Changes here could deliver a better private rented sector for all.
Do we need to worry about the growth of short-term letting?
Short-term lettings and the movement of properties from the long-term residential market to the short-term holiday market has been of growing concern to policy makers. . This post reviews recent research findings and explores the debate around whether there is a need to be concerned about short-term lettings.
Tax reform needed to improve private renting energy efficiency
Our latest research has found that landlords with F or G rated properties are struggling to afford to bring their property up to at least an E rating. We argue that tax reform would improve property conditions by allowing improvements to be tax deductible against income tax, rather than Capital Gains Tax.
How have welfare reforms impacted the private rented sector? A review of our research & policy work
The PRS has grown significantly in size over the last twenty years and now plays a vital role in providing a home for those on low-incomes and the homeless. Recently, there have been a lot of policy changes that affect the most vulnerable in society and their ability to access a safe and secure home in the PRS. We review our research and activities to date and look to what the future could hold.
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