Lichfield District Private Landlords Forum
Rugg review recommends licensing of landlords
The long awaited independent report into the private rented sector led by Julie Rugg of the University of York was submitted to the government on 23rd October. Among the recommendations is a “light touch” licensing regime, whereby all landlords would be required to buy a license, which could be endorsed with points for breaches of regulations, and ultimately withdrawn, much like a driving license.
Whether the government will introduce a scheme precisely along these lines remains to be seen. However, the major landlord associations have broadly welcomed the report, and while there will be some debate about compulsory licensing, there appears to be a consensus that training, continuous professional development and accreditation is the way forward, whether through legislation or voluntary self regulation. Either way it seems we are moving towards a more professional private sector and the days of landlords who do not meet their obligations or who fail to keep up to date with new legislation are numbered.
Fortunately, landlords in the Lichfield District can act now to ensure whatever comes, they will be able to demonstrate their competence. The Council is a partner in the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme, a self regulating voluntary scheme that sets standards for property condition and management, publicly recognizing good practice.
With nearly 700 members, and hundreds more in sister schemes covering the London boroughs and the whole of Wales, some are already arguing that these training based accreditation schemes are the alternative to compulsory licensing.
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Richard Price (pictured 3rd from left) of Goodchilds Estate Agents & lettings offers the following comment:
There are of course a high number of professional landlords but unfortunately the industry is still plagued with unscrupulous individuals which regrettably produces a dark cloud over the profession as a whole. Goodchilds have welcomed the initiative from Lichfield Council and believe that as the program unfolds that the potential for licensing will promote best practice in which, on a light hearted note -- ‘modern day Rigsby’s’ will not be able to operate.
We’re pleased that Goodchilds Estate Agents & Lettings was the ‘first letting agent’ to complete the program and we look forward to supporting landlords within the Lichfield, Cannock and Brownhills communities.