Generation Rent has expressed significant concerns regarding the Liberal Democrats’ proposal to introduce a national register of landlords. This initiative is part of a broader set of housing reforms in the party’s manifesto, which also includes the abolition of Section 21 evictions, the establishment of standard three-year tenancies, council measures against Airbnbs, holiday lets, and second homes, and the enforcement of a minimum energy standard for rental properties.
Dan Wilson Craw, deputy chief executive of Generation Rent, emphasized the necessity of a national landlord register, noting that England is currently the only UK nation without one. However, he questioned whether the register would require all landlords to be licensed or if it would apply solely to the approximately 7% of landlords who are currently mandated to have a license.
“A national register of landlords is essential,” Craw stated. “But by specifying ‘licensed landlords,’ the proposal leaves ambiguity about whether all landlords would need to be licensed or if it would only apply to those already required to have a license.”
Craw also voiced concerns about other aspects of the Liberal Democrats’ housing policies. “The commitment to ‘immediately’ ban no-fault evictions is a positive first step,” he said. “However, the promise of default three-year tenancies is unclear. It is not specified whether tenants could move within the three years if their circumstances change or if landlords would need a specific reason to evict at the end of the tenancy.”
He argued that ending no-fault evictions should be accompanied by the introduction of open-ended tenancies to ensure both security and flexibility for tenants. “The abolition of no-fault evictions must be paired with open-ended tenancies to provide tenants with both security and flexibility,” he added.
Additionally, Craw praised the Lib Dems for their pledge to raise minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented homes, describing it as essential to eliminating fuel poverty and reducing energy bills for renters. “The Liberal Democrats are correct in addressing the need to raise minimum energy efficiency standards, which is crucial for eradicating fuel poverty and lowering energy costs for tenants,” he said.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of the Lib Dems’ proposals, Craw called for more comprehensive reforms to the renting sector, including limits on rent increases. “The manifesto contains positive proposals that could enhance the affordability and quality of rented homes,” he noted. “However, without broader reforms, including rent increase limits, renters will continue to face the power imbalance with landlords that has long undermined their security. This issue must be addressed by the next government.”
Generation Rent’s detailed critique highlights the complexities and challenges in achieving a balanced and effective rental market reform, underscoring the need for clear and comprehensive policies to protect tenants’ rights and interests.