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.
The Welsh Enforcement Index: The Persistence of Inconsistency
In late 2020, the NRLA (National Residential Landlords Association) Research Observatory began to collect data and evidence on how enforcement powers available to Welsh local authorities were being deployed in the Private Rented Sector (PRS). It is intended to be a follow-up to the recent review of Rent Smart Wales by the NRLA. The focus of this study was slanted towards mandatory and discretionary licensing, and the efficient, effective and economic enforcement of existing regulations.
Research Webinar - April 2021
This research webinar introduced our recently awarded MRS Company Partner accreditation. Recent trends in landlord confidence were presented along with key findings from recent quarterly surveys. The presentation also reviewed other recent research - such as that in Wales and London. Finally the presentation previewed forthcoming research, including a collaboration with the LSE.
Rent controls in London - follow the evidence. Please
The outcome of London's mayoral election may be followed by a renewed push for a rent control system to be imposed in the capital. The NRLA have long pointed to evidence, put forward by economists from both the left and the right, that rent controls rarely have the desired effects on the rental market. Where controls exist, tenants and would-be tenants - as well as landlords - get a raw deal.
Energy efficient landlords: investment without reward
This blog post reviews landlord responses to questions on energy efficiency. These questions coincided with a recent BEIS consultation on energy efficency and proposals to raise the minimum EPC rating for rented property to a "C". This post highlights landlord investment and the need to address the failings of the Green Homes Grants programmes - rather than abandon the scheme's objectives.
Covid-19 and the rental market-one year on
This post provides a summary of the NRLA Tenant Survey conducted in November/December 2020. Rent arrears are rising with the risk of tenants losing their homes. The post includes a link to a summary briefing paper.
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