RLA : RPI : A voice for landlords

News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members

other artilces from the October / November 2001 issue

A voice for landlords - October / November 2001

Effective re-nationalisation of the railways is very bad news for landlords. It raises the spectre of Government control. And the very person who has promised no rent control in the private sector, Stephen Byers, is driving the change.

Organisations that purport to represent private renting have had zero impact on changing conditions in our industry. ARLA, NAEA, BPF and NFRL have failed to change the negative, wrong but damaging, image of landlords or to bring improved legislation. In pursuing their own members' agenda they have had a negative impact, have only voiced corporate landlords' views, or have effectively failed to voice any view at all.

We are currently facing increased council tax, stamp duty, buying and selling costs, as well as licensing, reduced housing benefit, more difficult HB administration, sprinkler systems in HMOs, increases in investment due to fitness rating, increased tenants' protection due to European unfair conditions legislation, and much more.

We need a strong voice for landlords. Without it we will continue to be on the receiving end of a bad Press which spawns yet more legislation that impacts negatively on our business and investments.

But that voice will not be listened to until it can demonstrated that it has the backing of a large membership and is fully resourced, supports its presentations with research, and gets its message across in the Press when ignored. It must also deliver minimum standards in the industry.

The Residential Landlords Association has been formed for that very purpose and is having success in presenting the case for private renting. Now is the time for landlords and other associations to join us in representing the private rented sector.

Martin J Moylan

other artilces from the October / November 2001 issue