Landlords getting public ratings - what do we think?

[RattysPicnic]

On the BBC website this morning here Landlords would be rated to give tenants more info. I'm not sure what I think of this.

My initial response as a landlord was 'Brilliant'. I read on here stories of horrendous landlords and real abuse of tenants and think that it would be great if landlords like that were shown up. DH and I keep our properties in really good nick, respond very quickly to tenants and so on. Our properties aren't up for sale now or in the future so tenants can have long leases and feel secure. Basically, I like to think we would benefit from this system.

And yet... Feelings can run very high over people's homes and I can see tenants just using this as a way of sticking two fingers up at landlords. Ratings work well on Amazon and Ebay because of the high volume of transactions that even out to give a clear picture. Given that you might have tenants for a couple of years at a time and own a couple of properties, it would be very hard to come back from an undeserved vindictive rating.

It's not difficult to imagine some tenants, removed for not paying rent for example, giving a landlord 0 stars despite the property being well maintained. And defending yourself as landlord/tenant publicly could turn into a slanging match.

Also, how much would ratings influence your decision to rent a property? Sure if there's three identical flats in the same block and one is looked after by Peter Rachman and the other by Phil Spencer you'll make that decision. But generally isn't it about liking the space/location/decor?

Well here in Scotland we need to be registered with the Council. I can see the plus in that but to be honest, you just fill in a form online, pay a huge fee and that is you registered. No one actually checks up that you are complying with gas safety, PAT testing etc.

I think it would be too hard to control.

I'm a landlord too and I'd welcome it for much the same reasons as Ratty. Yes, you might get some disgruntled tenants but in those cases presumably LLs would get a right of reply. I'm always horrified by some of the stories that people on MN have about their LLs and hate to think that I am bracketed in with them but, recently, I have seen one or two postings from people that I would in no way want as my tenants either .

I think there are going to be big changes ahead and the accidential land lord or the amateur dabbling in it for their pension are going to get a huge shock with compliance laws, registration and new taxes to pay.
And yes I think all but the truly desperate will look at ratings and so they should, too many Landlords consider the deposit to be part of their income and don't put it with the bond board even now.

I'm an "amateur dabbling in it for my pension" - doesn't mean I don't provide a decent service or would be unwilling to comply with any new regulations . Having rented for a few months last year from a professional investment company which was managed by an agency, I would say that I scored better on everything from value to repairs to quality of property.