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.
White Paper reforms: NRLA counters uncertainty
This is the first of three blog posts on the recent non-member survey from the summer of 2022. The survey reports on landlords' views on upcoming legislation that may be in the policy pipeline. The blog specifically looks at how landlords have reacted to the Renters' Reform bill white paper. Key concerns centre around (i) the loss of Section 21 without significant reform to Section 8 grounds and (ii) the removal of fixed term tenancies.
Tenant Survey pt.2: Energy bills and efficiency
This is the second and final post on the recent Tenant Survey from the summer of 2022. This post reports on the impact of rising utility bills on tenants. For those tenants who have reached out to their landlord, a positive response has often been typical. It is going to be a difficult winter. Landlords and tenants should discuss forthcoming bill hikes and be fully aware of how the winter may play out.
Don't worry - tenants love you!
This is the first of two blog posts reporting on a survey of tenants conducted in August 2022. It reveals strong landlord tenant relations - tenants are very happy with their landlord and standard of their rented property. It also found that changing property needs and lack of choice is contributing to a supply issue in the PRS. Tenants are having increasing difficulty securing a property they want.
Rent Controls in Wales - follow the evidence
As part of the agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Government has committed to looking into rent controls in Wales. This article looks at why rent controls don't work and why it would not be necessary in Wales.
Adaptations & the PRS: a clear market failure
This post takes a closer look at one of the key themes from In Focus. There is an increasing need for property adapted for tenants and their family members who have specific needs in order to lead independent lives. There is a generous grant for landlords to cover costs. Many local authorities are willing to help landlords. Yet few landlords have tenants who require adaptations. Why? This post explores some of the issues.
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