Trade Union Calls For Council Regulation of Private Landlords

A trade union is calling on councils across the sector to enforce standards in the private rented sector by regulating landlords. Spurred on by the growth of amateur landlords in the sector, courtesy of Buy-to-Let, the GMB union said councils must be required to set up systems of regulation of private landlords. The union said that councils should set up a register of private landlords, and the condition of registration should require minimum standards for length of tenure, terms of contract, safety, the condition and energy efficiency of rented accommodation. This should include “at least reserve powers to intervene to impose fair rent levels”.  Read more on the Housing Excellence website.