Report recommends private rented sector improvements

Posted: 24 Oct 2008 13:50:53 GMT

A more nuanced licensing system for landlords and mandatory regulation for letting agencies are two ways in which the private rented sector could be improved.

That is according to a new, independent review into the buy-to-let market, which also called for an independent complaints and redress procedure for consumers and changes to stamp duty to encourage landlords to buy more properties.

The review, led by Julie Rugg of the University of York, recommended a raft of changes that it concluded would improve the sector for both tenants and landlords.

Upon its publication, housing minister Margaret Beckett welcomed the proposals saying that the government is aware of the pressing need for action to improve the private rental market.

"Many of us have rented a house at same stage of our lives and it's crucial that we have a high quality sector that works well for both landlords and tenants, and encourages mobility," she said.

Mrs Beckett added that the "comprehensive and authoritative report" contained within it a number of "practical recommendations" for the government to consider.

The National Landlords Association - which represents the interests of private residential landlords, broadly welcomed the terms of the review, but said that proposals on "light-touch licensing" would need further examination.

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