To not agree with how some people make their money, specifically landlords and letting agents?

[RealNavyEagle]

I’m not saying every landlord or agent is evil, before anyone jumps in. But I do think there’s something deeply uncomfortable about profiting from people’s basic need for shelter, especially when that profit often comes with minimal accountability and maximum power over tenants’ lives. Rent increases “because the market allows it,” poor maintenance, opaque fees and agents acting as unchallengeable gatekeepers… it doesn’t always sit right with me as a way to earn a living.

AIBU to feel uneasy about this being a normal, socially accepted income stream?

If you feel your position is strong and you believe in your worldview, you should really be able to make your point with resorting to made up scenarios and misrepresentations. It just looks like you can't engage with the valid arguments that people are making.

So because it's currently poorly managed and inadequate, there is no possibility of improving things? That's very negative and blinkered thinking. Clearly there would need to be radical change to the entire system but it's far from impossible. If private landlords can provide housing and find tenants who can pay those rates, including repairs and maintenance etc from private providers, then of course a well-organised state-run social housing department could do the same with cheaper in-house repairs and maintenance. Yes there would be administrative costs but there would also be the benefit of job creation. And the fact that we wouldn't be paying for a private individuals retirement nest egg. Obviously this is back-of-a-fag-packet stuff when in reality it's a complex situation. But if we can put a man on the moon, I'm confident that the brain power exists to solve this problem in a way that benefits society at large rather than a privileged few.

They don’t charge market rents. They charge social rents, which cover the cost of repairs, maintenance and overheads. This is how housing associations have worked for a hundred years. What’s so hard to understand?

think outside the box a bit, it’ll do you good.

One of my points was that the property needs to be purchased or built in the first place. If further properties are going to be purchased to house the millions who want social housing, surely that purchase cost needs to be included in the calculation of what rent needs to be charged going forward?
I know how the principle of housing associations work, thanks, so no need for your patronising comments

Are those the only 2 relevant factors since 1970. or are there some other factors that should be included? Asking for a friend...

Housing associations already buy second hand properties and add them to their housing stock to manage as social housing, although this isn’t the preference as second hand stock is a bit shit, asset wise.

however not only can they purchase second hand property (have a look at the surplus and cash reserves of a large housing association, in their accounts and analyse their debt and ability to borrow money and you’ll see plenty of capacity)

the law allows for compulsory purchase. It’s not something you probably see first hand but it’s frequently used in industrial real estate. And that’s by councils , who unlike housing associations have little money and little ability to borrow

eta- social rent has excellent payback. No need to charge market rent. They don’t need to on a brand new estate so why would they need to on anything else?

I think unless we are going to embrace communism then there will always be a profit to be made providing essential goods and services. You could be deeply uncomfortable with a pharmacist charging for essential medicines. Tesco charging for food, council tax, energy companies.

I would say I think we need large scale social housing to be built. I own but if I were to rent I’d much rather a council property/ corporate landlord than a private let, if might be fine it might be a nightmare but you don’t really know till you are in.

Renting is a business, much like retailing. No one has to be kind. It’s a business. 🤷‍♀️

Well that sounds like a straight forward solution to the whole housing crisis. I wonder why it's not being implemented...

It's not being implemented because late stage capitalism relies on rampant asset inflation and property is an asset.

What do you mean? Younger people can't afford housing as easily as older generations because of mobile phones and avocados?

Well it might please the OP to know that the investors in the private rental market are bailing. The tax, rising costs and tenant issues mean it is not worth it. Given that this will decrease supply and increase pressure on rents, I am not sure how much this will help the situation. Councils are not stepping in the provide homes and waiting lists will just get longer.

Also to note that their a many reasons why someone needs to rent out their property and not everyone is a ruthless landlord.

Isn't the lack of alternatives and power imbalance caused by lack of supply, though? You really need a lot more landlords - not fewer - in that case, so it becomes a 'renter's market' and sub-standard or overpriced options simply won't get let.

I hate the game, but I cut the players some slack. Because often they're just ordinary people themselves who've dropped on with an inheritance, moved in with a partner, or decided to invest their relatively modest wealth in bricks and mortar. As long as the rent isn't ridiculous, they do the repairs and don't threaten eviction every 5 minutes, I save my judgement for the system that facilitates them; and the far bigger problem of big companies buying up all the cheaper housing stock.

It requires a Change of law to outlaw private renting. That’s what the thread is about. What can be done, not what is currently happening.

I mean exactly what I ask. If you think the only difference between 1970 and now is mobile phones and avocados that is an interesting point of view.

I have no words...

This is the case and a very welcome shift. There are downsides to those who just wanted to make some money on the long term asset price- and who can blame them- but it’s better for the nations housing needs overall

I think increasingly fewer people see it as a respectable way to make money these days. Comments online frequently signal a strong dislike of private landlords, particularly amongst the younger generations.

That’s ok, you can always come back if you think of some

Younger generations will never have the opportunities for home ownership as their parents and grandparents so naturally they will dislike the idea of landlords. Doesn’t stop making it a viable income stream for many?
Op you raise a very valid argument however when you demonise the landlords they will sell up and the cost of renting will soar. This is what essentially happened post Easter 2020 when landlords could no longer off set their costs against their rental income. The public welcomed this but unfortunately they are the ones who have suffered via reduced supply leading to a steady increase in rental prices.

While the finger wagging 'stop spending money on smashed avocados on toast' trope can be easily mocked there is a grain of truth to the sentiment. I am constantly amazed at the spending habits of my nieces/nephews/grads at work etc be it the need for latest tech (£800 phones, sports watches, headphones), high end cars on finance, fashion and frequent eating out. I freely admit to being a potentially boring old fart who makes a pack lunch for work and drinks free instant coffee but I still marvel that I seem to spend a fraction of what they do on a day to day basis even though I am more immune then them to the general cost of living.

Most landlords don’t care what other people think of them tbh. We rent out several properties and what someone thinks of us is absolutely none of my business. I can’t say I’ve ever thought about it tbh.

I agree with you. Living in a flat share or living at home for longer. Forgoing the new car and the multiple trips and weekends away would save a comfortable deposit over 5 ish years.
If you really want something then you find a way to make it happen.
Buying whilst renting a family home with a couple of kids in tow is always going to be incredibly difficult. Best to get the house before the kids….

You don't like landlords? You should see the profits the big house builders make?

Frankly I'm sick and tired of people pitching in to landlords the whole time and I'm glad I am not one any more.