BTL sector over-regulated

Its comments come following potential measures outlined by the Government''s housing minister, John Healey, which he believes could help to improve the standards of service within the private rented sector.

Among these proposals is the possible creation of a national register for those letting property.

But Graham Kinnear, managing director of Landlord Assist, says landlords are already faced with reams of legislation and significant costs, and questions whether any further regulation is required in the sector.

Commenting, he said: “In recent years landlords have had to conform with energy performance certificates, deposit administration and the new legislation of the 2004 Housing Act. In addition, changes in fire regulations as well legislation relating to Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHRS) has meant that landlords’ costs have increased significantly.”

Landlord Assist’s views are echoed by the National Landlords Association who believe that the latest measures from the Government amount to little more than “landlord-bashing.”

Indeed it is the view of many that encouraging the buy to let sector could be the key to helping the rest of the housing market to return to some normality.