Calls For Minimum Standards For Private Rented Sector

New minimum standards should be introduced for the private rented sector and landlords should receive tax incentives for signing up to accreditation schemes. CIH made the calls in its budget submission to government. The submission said more needs to be done to improve the quality of private homes across the board, including a new set of minimum standards for landlords which cover property conditions and housing management. It also called for tax incentives for private landlords who sign up to an accreditation scheme and new measures to allow local authorities to enforce standards. And it calls for the regulation of letting agents to stamp out poor practice. Read more on 24housing.

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.