Landlords Need Carrot As Well As Stick

Extra tax breaks should be offered to landlords who sign up for a national accreditation scheme to raise standards in the private rented sector, according to a new report. The report, from the CIH and the Resolution Foundation, says that targeted incentives for landlords would encourage them to improve the maintenance and management of their properties, offering a ‘something for something’ deal. Private landlords currently receive around £7bn of tax allowances a year, including for repairs and maintenance, but there is no incentive to carry out work above the minimum standard – and that standard is not being enforced effectively. Read more on the CIH website.