industry news
Families now the most common renters in private properties
Families are the most common household type in the private rented sector for the first time, according to the latest research from the National Landlords Association. The findings show that more landlords
are now letting to families with children (48%) than any other household type, just overtaking young couples (47%). This represents a shift compared to four
years ago, when young single adults made up the largest group (53%), followed by young couples (51%), and then families with children (51%). Richard Lambert, chief executive of the
NLA, said: “There is a genuine contrast between the experience of renting in the 21st century shown in this research and the prevailing housing culture in Britain that only views it as a stopgap - something to be tolerated while waiting for the opportunity to buy your own house.” The private rented sector (PRS) now
accounts for approximately 5 million households in the UK and the proportion of families in the PRS has increased from 30% in 2004-5 to 37% in 2014-15 – an increase in roughly 1 million (912,000) households in ten years.
Stability
For the majority of families surveyed, renting privately is a stable option, with almost 8 in 10 (76%) reporting they were happy with the length of their tenancy, and a similar proportion (79%) reporting their tenancy was renewed or stayed the same at the end of the initial fixed term. As a result, the perception of renting as a
barrier to family life is breaking down, with nearly two-thirds of renting families (60%) saying that it was not. 77% of families considered their rented accommodation to be home, and the majority (65%) reported that they were free to personalise it however they chose. Mr Lambert added: “There is a rogue
element to private housing that ruins the experience for far too many people, but for the majority of the 11 million private renters, renting offers an inclusive and flexible option which works for them in their current circumstances. “Contrary to popular perception, there’s
growing evidence that renting is no obstacle to putting down roots and calling somewhere home. The majority of landlords want good, stable, long-term tenancies, and these findings show that more and more are becoming receptive to helping families make a home in the private rented sector”.
Gas Access Campaign suffers legislative blow
complete gas safety work in tenants’ homes, in an unexpected blow to a safety campaign. Landlords must complete annual safety
T
checks on gas-fired boilers but often experience difficulties getting into properties to complete the work. As a precautionary measure, many landlords schedule the works early (say after 10 or 11 months) to allow them time to overcome any access problems. This results in higher servicing costs and sometimes socilitors’ fees for legal action. HAs have been lobbying to be given the
same powers of access as councils have. Despite initially giving positive signals he would listen and comply, Brandon Lewis MP has decided against allowing HAs to access a property within 24 hours of a tenant refusing them entry. The Gas Access Campaign which called for
the change was being led by the Home Group and backed by more than 200 organisations. Mr Lewis has written to the Home Group to explain why he is not in favour of a law change. A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “There is little
“HAs have been lobbying to be given the same powers of access as councils have”
he housing minister has ruled out granting new powers of access to housing associations for them to
to justify granting a significant new power of entry, when the vast majority of tenants already grant access for annual checks.”
Injunctions
Councils can obtain a warrant to gain swift access to a property where a tenant refuses access, but associations’ only option is to serve an injunction or to start possession proceedings, both of which are more costly and time-consuming. Poor performance in ensuring annual services are routinely completed has resulted in a number of HAs being down-graded by the HCA. The current laws, which the Home Group
estimates are costing landlords £500 million over 10 years, also means associations have to carry checks more regularly than 12 months to ensure they comply. The Gas Access Campaign has however
persuaded the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to consider a new “MOT-style” system for gas safety checks. This means, for example, if a check is carried out a month early, another check is then not required for 13 months. Despite the Government’s rejection of a new
law, Mark Henderson, chief executive of Home Group, described the HSE proposal as a “significant change” and said the campaign has put annual safety checks “on the agenda”. About seven people die each year as a result
of carbon monoxide poisoning leaking from unsafe boilers and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or are poorly ventilated. Large fines and prison sentences can also be handed out by the courts.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM July 2016 | 21
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