Judge Rinder - Renter's in reform

[mrshoho]

Well done Rob Rinder speaking so passionately and spelling out the inequalities in our communities. Come on Boris Johnson it is time to do what you pledged and protect millions citizens giving them basic human rights such as a safe and secure place to live. The time is long overdue and I can't see how any decent landlord would be against these reforms.

I can't see how any decent landlord would be against these reforms

I can. Any regulations increase the costs for law-abiding landlords. Meanwhile the slumlords will keep breaking the new laws just like they do the current ones. Without better enforcement, "reforms" will make things worse. (And many councils themselves are some of the worst slumlords around as was recently exposed.)

There are quite a few areas where landlord licensing is already in place, including all of Wales. Makes no difference to standards, as there is no enforcement.

And I give you Croydon council and no doubt many others. Renting out appalling shitholes with no comeback.

career landlords are often the best sort - they have the processes and resources in place and know the rules. Its the two bit accidentals that are an issue and the down right scammers who are a different kettle of fish. Rent restrictions I agree with but linking it to mortgage is ridiculous - first off it assumes there is a mortgage and the property is not outright owned.

Restrictions on rent are only going to lead to fewer investments in the property stock.
There was a reason that rent controls were abolished.

Shelter seem to be very inept at thinking through the unintended consequences of the legislation that they push.

For example not allowing pet deposits making it actually harder to rent with pets.

I am currently a tenant and have had a tenant in my house for several years. So I have experienced this situation from both sides.

I think currently in the UK tenants have as much if not more capacity to behave badly without consequences than landlord s.

Although there are plenty of both good and bad examples of both.
An increase in social housing would seem a good place to start.