WIREDGOV

A vow to strengthen landlords’ rights has been made in the Conservative manifesto, released yesterday.

The Tories have committed to abolishing Section 21, but said good landlords would see possession rights strengthened.

It also talks about the idea of a ‘lifetime deposit’ – an idea first mooted by the RLA ahead of the 2017 election.

In the manifesto the party vows to: “Bring in a Better Deal for Renters, including abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions and only requiring one ‘lifetime’ deposit which moves with the tenant.” 

This, it says, will ‘create a fairer rental market: if you’re a tenant, you will be protected from revenge evictions and rogue landlords, and if you’re one of the many good landlords, we will strengthen your rights of possession’.

It has also pledged to:

• Introduce a stamp duty surcharge on non-UK residents.
• Continue the roll out of Universal Credit and bring an end to the benefit freeze.
• Invest £9.2 billion in the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals.

Cautious welcome

Landlords have cautiously welcomed the proposals. 

David Smith, RLA policy director yesterday said:

“We agree that the system for repossessing properties is in need of reform and support the Conservatives’ proposals to strength the possession rights of good landlords.

“It is vital that the reforms are got right. At present it can take over five months for a landlord to repossess a property through the courts in legitimate circumstances. 

“We will be keen to work with Ministers to establish a new system of repossession rights and the establishment of a dedicated housing court to ensure good landlords and tenants can secure justice swiftly in the minority of cases where something goes wrong.

“It is disappointing that there is no mention of reversing some of the tax changes hitting landlords which have resulted in a drop in investment in the market, making it more difficult for tenants to find the housing they want. 

“Longer tenancies for tenants will be meaningless without landlords entering and staying in the market long term.”

More information

The RLA has published its own six-point election manifesto highlighting the changes it believes are needed to create a PRS that works for all. You can read it here.

To find out more about recent statements from the three major parties on the issue of housing and PRS ahead of the publication of their manifestos click here.