The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has thrown its weight behind the government’s new landlord database plan, insisting it could be a tool to weed out criminal landlords.

However, it warns against unnecessary red tape for responsible landlords.

As a member of the Lettings Advisory Board, the NRLA has helped shape proposals for the new Labour government.

That includes a landlord database plan, which the NRLA believes can ‘create transparency of property safety and drive rogue landlords from the sector’.

The board, established by property portal Zoopla, aims to improve the private rented sector (PRS) for landlords, tenants and industry professionals.

Driving rogue and criminal landlords out
The NRLA’s deputy director for campaigns, public affairs and policy, Meera Chindooroy, said: “We are committed to raising standards and driving rogue and criminal landlords out of the sector and – implemented in the right way – the new database can help do that.

“We know from our own research that the approach to enforcement varies across local authority areas.

“The new system has the potential to challenge these disparities in a simple and affordable way, allowing councils to focus on identifying and dealing with landlords who are not compliant.”

She adds: “The NRLA has already met with housing minister Matthew Pennycook and will work constructively to bring about fair and workable reform that will allow the government to meet its commitment to tenants while supporting responsible landlords and encouraging investment.”

Raise standards in the private rented sector
The NRLA says it has been vocal about government aims to raise standards in the private rented sector (PRS) – without adding to the administrative burden faced by landlords.

The board has now written to new government with a set of proposals for the PRS which includes:

• Raise standards by levelling the playing field for those letting and managing rented homes
• Safeguard the quality of accommodation
• Help tenants know the property they are renting is safe.
• Help regulatory authorities to identify those who do not meet the required standards.

Importance of having industry input
The letter also stresses the importance of having industry input when designing the database to ensure it delivers its intended purposes and is linked to the ambition for a decent homes standard.

The board says a database that is accessible to property portals and lenders could create automated regulation and enforcement, allowing local authorities to focus their efforts on properties that do not hold required safety certificates.

More details about the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill are expected when it is published later this year.

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