More Rights for Tenants. What Does This Mean for Landlords?
In August the UK Government set out proposals to tackle some of the issues faced by social housing tenants. Launching a new green paper on social housing, and in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the government is proposing a major reform on social housing across the country.
Steps proposed are to give more rights and information to tenants, from landlord league tables and more effective complaints procedures. An increase in the supply of social housing is also recommended, making more stock and better quality accommodation available for those who need it. There is also recognition of the stigma associated with living in social housing and the desire to change these opinions, instead promoting social housing as a stable and sound base and a way to help with social mobility across the country.
Around 4 million households are in social housing at present in the UK, with this figure rising annually. These reforms are suggested as a way to ensure tenants have a voice, that their rights are protected and that all measures are put in place to ensure the safety of tenants.
Tenants will find themselves better protected, whereas the actions and workings of landlord will be more closely regulated. Here are the major changes being proposed and what landlords should be aware of.
Landlord league tables
All landlords should already be striving to work in a way that is above board and respectful to tenants. Following these proposals, rogue landlords and those with dodgy operations will be named and shamed, with good landlords rewarded as part of a landlord league table, helping tenants compare landlords against each other in their area.
Better complaints procedures
The government paper highlighted just how important an effective complaints procedure is for tenants, particularly when it comes to safety concerns. Reform will include an easier, streamlined complaints process for tenants that looks to resolve issues more quickly and give tenants a stronger voice – something that landlords should remember when any issues are raised at their properties.
More rigorous regulation
The regulation procedure for the social housing sector hasn’t been reformed for 8 years but is also set to change following the government proposals. Tenants will be consulted on what they think needs to change in terms of regulation of the sector, again acting to protect tenants and help call bad landlords into account.
Boosting stock
The government recognises the need for more social housing, looking into boosting the supply of new affordable homes that are better designed and of better quality, to improve living conditions for tenants and reduce housing inequality. Community spaces and events are also to be supported through funding in a bid to create better neighbourhoods to live in.