News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members other artilces from the June / July 2003 issue RPI news archive

Empire builder's charter - June / July 2003

Local authorities should be steered away from interfering with 'well regulated and market competitive' landlords, agents and properties.

So said the Association of Residential Letting Agents when presenting its views on the recently published draft Housing Bill.

If there is to be licensing, only total clarity in defining HMOs and which other properties are to be licensed, coupled with clear direction over the scope of all regulation will stop local authorities from 'going for soft targets to licence', said ARLA.

'This could also lead to expanding bureaucracy, an empire builder's charter, financed by new licence fees. It will fail to address the real problems of safety in poorly managed bedsits and hostel style accommodation and very poor quality housing in some areas', it warned.

Many of ARLA's comments echo those of the RLA which has submitted a full response to the Government arguing that accreditation for landlords is a better option than licensing (see page 17).

Property investors who bought houses for investment paid an average of £249,900 in the last three months, with the prospect of average 5.5 per cent return, according to ARLA. Investors who bought flats paid an average of £172,500, and can expect the same level of return. Average void periods for rented property were put at 29 days per annum.

other artilces from the June / July 2003 issue

• Victims of unfriendly fire
• Empty homes take over
• Little satisfaction in council complaints
• HB reform moves ahead
• HB reform moves ahead
• House prices still climbing
• Empire builder's charter
• Demand grows stronger
• In brief