The leading voice in the UK's private rented sector today welcomed the Prime Minister's call to remember small businesses when drafting new legislation and said "Don't forget about us!"

Members of the Residential Landlords Association said government moves to cut bureaucracy and red tape could form the basis of a boost to the industry.

But the association, which represents hundreds of members who manage over £1.2billion worth of property and more than 30,000 tenancies, urged the government not to forget landlords in the shake up.

Chairman Martin Moylan explained: "Tony Blair has essentially said he wants more emphasis placing on less regulation, legislation and general red tape for small businesses but we have seen and heard this all before.

"However, if anything is to go ahead, I would urge him not to forget landlords who are being crippled by red tape and legislation and who form some of the smallest but most vital businesses in the UK.

"The wake of thoughtless laws which ministers have clearly not thought through are strangling the private rented sector and something undoubtedly needs to be done.

"As an association we welcome this move and have already warned of the potential perils of ignoring the effect this ever increasing cost and amount of red tape is having on the private rented sector.

"We believe it will eventually lead to a shortage in property and higher rents as thousands of landlords will be effectively forced to leave the marketplace."

Mr Blair urged minister to put small businesses foremost in their thoughts when drafting new laws and to cut red tape when he gave his backing to the Think Small First report earlier this week.

Mr Moylan added: "We would welcome any moves to free landlords from the reams of red tape currently involved in letting in the private sector and actively await the outcome of this report."

The RLA is a leading voice for landlords in the UK with branches for members across the country. Members of the group have to meet rigorous selection criteria and provide references. The association also operates a strict code of practice.

Among the benefits to members, the association offer members advice, a special advice hotline for landlords and other benefits including special rate insurance, training courses and tenancy agreement contracts accredited with the prestigious Crystal Mark from the Plain English Campaign.

The association also operates a website to help tenants find homes available with RLA accredited landlords at www.homes2rent.net. The site is free for all landlords while rla.org.co.uk provides further, helpful information.

ENDS January 2001