November 2022
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This conference examined the next steps for reform of the private rented sector.
Delegates assessed proposals emerging from the Government’s Fairer private rented sector White Paper, including:
- tackling poor quality housing with the introduction of new sector standards
- policies for regulating landlords and improving transparency of information
- enabling better engagement and dispute resolution between landlords, lettings agents and residents
The conference took place as the Government considered its legislative agenda under new leadership, including the future of the Renters Reform Bill, with Rt Hon Michael Gove MP returned to Cabinet as Levelling Up Secretary.
It was also an opportunity to assess wider developments such as the recent mini-budget, a rent freeze policy announced by The Scottish Government, and with a further case study panel looking at issues related to proposals for empowering local authorities in their management and enforcement in the private rented housing sector.
Overall, the agenda brought out latest thinking on priorities for:
- housing quality: implementing the Decent Homes Standard - tackling health and security issues - sustainability in design - improving energy efficiency, design and value
- affordability: improving sector financial security - innovating approaches to security deposits and insurance - the role of the sector in tackling financial hardship and homelessness
- regulation: improving transparency of data and property information - proposals for a Landlords Register - the role of the newly proposed Ombudsman - the role of the lettings industry
- engagement: improving practice - proposed changes to pet ownership and benefits claimants - reforms to eviction and rent increase policies - issues for legal disputes and representation
- local authorities: enforcement and regulatory powers - role of councils in tackling poor quality housing - managing local rental markets - challenging criminality in the sector and rogue landlords
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Rebecca Marsh, Ombudsman and Chief Executive, The Property Ombudsman; and Chris Norris, Policy Director, National Residential Landlords Association.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside policy officials who attended from DLUHC; BEIS; Department for Communities, NI; Northern Ireland Assembly; ONS; the House of Commons Library; and the Welsh Government.
