The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is currently in discussions with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook about the implementation of a proposed landlord database—a move that has garnered support from many in the private rented sector (PRS). Phil Turtle, a spokesperson for Landlord Licensing and Defence, has hailed the initiative as a potential “game-changer” for the industry.
Turtle believes that the introduction of a comprehensive database could provide a more efficient way to regulate the PRS, potentially rendering selective licensing schemes obsolete. He has urged the NRLA to advocate for a property licensing model similar to the one in Jersey, where a rental property licence costs just £60 for two years and requires all necessary landlord documentation to be verified for compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Under such a model, landlords in England and Wales would need to submit valid Gas Safety certificates, detailed floor plans, and other essential documents to obtain a licence. Turtle argues that this approach would make it significantly more difficult for criminal landlords to operate, thereby eliminating the need for the selective licensing currently in place.
“A database that records all legally required documentation would make it harder for criminal landlords to slip through the cracks,” Turtle said. “The current system doesn’t ensure that most properties are inspected, and landlords are often hit with hefty fines for minor issues. Additionally, councils frequently overreach, enforcing their own rules rather than the law.”
He further criticized the existing scheme, pointing to reports from the Housing Ombudsman indicating that councils fail to regularly inspect or properly maintain their own properties. Turtle praised Jersey’s licensing system, which he said offers better value and ensures document verification every two years, ultimately benefiting tenants.
Turtle is advocating for the abolition of selective licensing in favour of the Jersey model, as part of the Labour government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill. “There is no justification for any selective licence to cost more than £60 for two years,” he argued. “If it does, it’s either a revenue-generating scheme for the council or a sign of inefficiency.”
He further criticized councils for exploiting landlords, but expressed hope that the Labour government could use the Renters’ Rights Bill and the proposed landlord database to better support both landlords and tenants.
“Not every landlord may agree, but it’s time to end the costly and ineffective services provided by councils, which ultimately result in higher rents for tenants. Labour must back this change,” Turtle concluded.