Rental accommodation not 'second best'

Posted: 21 May 2008 10:07:30 GMT

The governing body of landlords is keen to push the message that rented housing is a viable option for cautious borrowers and should not be seen as "second-best".

The governing body of landlords is keen to push the message that rented housing is a viable option for cautious borrowers and should not be seen as "second-best".

The National Landlords Association (NLA) is concerned that a select few "rogue" landlords could ruin the reputation of the majority.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said that according to government figures, 81 per cent of tenants are happy with their landlords.

Mr Salusbury explained the measures needed to deal with the minority of unscrupulous landlords: "Where people are suffering at the hands of irresponsible rogue landlords in sub-standard rental accommodation, local authorities should be using the existing statutory powers they have in order to force the necessary improvements to be made."

Mr Salusbury's comments echo the Association of Residential Letting Agents' (ARLA) suggestion that there should be an accreditation of letting agents to prevent unethical agents entering the rental market.

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