A recent government survey revealed that for the first time in a generation more people are renting from private landlords than from local councils or housing associations.
The proportion of people in social housing has dropped from almost a third (31.4%) in 1980 to one in seven today (16.8%). By contrast, the percentage renting from private landlords has risen from 11.9% in 1980 to 18% today.
Private landlords face an increasing amount of regulation including the requirement to ensure that all appliances are regularly tested and the introduction of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. It seems that the appetite for regulation in this area is set to continue. The Local Government Association (LGA) has recently issued a press release arguing that Councils should be given more powers to tackle what it calls 'rogue landlords' who allow tenants to live in 'hell hole homes'. The LGA acknowledges that there are a large number of responsible landlords but it seems clear that private landlords will need to keep abreast of ever more complex requirements imposed upon them in relation to the properties that they let out.
For more information about the English Housing Survey go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/english-housing-survey
It is important to ensure that you obtain up to date legal advice in relation to this complex area. To discuss issues relating to letting out your property contact us.