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Self-regulation for letting

15 August, 2008

Commenting on it, he said: "The National Landlords Association welcomes many of the staged reforms the Law Commission proposes. In fact, further enhancing good practice to build on voluntary self-regulation can only be a good thing for both landlords and tenants. We are pleased to see the recognition that local authorities have an important role to play in the enforcement of regulation.

"It is critical to assess this report alongside the other reports and consultations to ensure we break this 'piecemeal' approach to the private-rented sector.”

The Law Commission’s report follows wide consultation with both landlords and tenants. It focuses on improving the overall coherence and stability of the current private rental framework in a cost-effective way.

Based on the principles of smart regulation, the Commission recommends a programme of staged reforms designed to promote self-regulation and enhance voluntary initiatives already in place in England and Wales. The proposals include:

• Creating a housing standards monitor (for each of England and Wales) for the private
• rented sector
• Establishing an associated stakeholder board to which representatives of all sides of the
• private residential rented property sector are appointed
• Developing a single code of housing management practice for landlords
• Making landlord accreditation schemes available in every local authority area
• Launching a pilot programme for home condition certificates

The Commission proposes that independent evaluation and development of appropriate incentives to make the programme attractive to landlords should supplement these initiatives.