Scrapping landlords' regulation reform 'is short-sighted'

23 July 2010



Proposals by Housing Minister Grant Shapps to scrap regulation reform for private landlords shows a lack of foresight on the government's part, according to a Law Society Housing Committee member. In an article for the Law Society Gazette, Debra Wilson said regulation in the residential market has been developed "piecemeal".

This lack of regulation and the failure of local authority enforcement powers has contributed compliance problems, she added. "A range of remedies may be invoked, involving both criminal and civil sanctions; but there is no central, overarching body that can monitor if powers are being used," asserted Ms Wilson.

Any changes would affect England's one million landlords, of which 75 per cent are unregulated and unregistered individuals. Even if the framework for better regulation is to be discarded, Ms Wilson went on to say that there is a need for further debate about retaliatory evictions, where landlords throw out tenants who complain about disrepair.

If you require legal advice, for either your private affairs or organisation, please call Buckinghamshire based B P Collins Solicitors on 01753 889995, complete the online enquiry form or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

Posted by Chris Hardy.

© Copyright