Landlords back merger plans

The proposed new organisation is set to have a membership of more than 80,000 landlords.

Landlords back merger plans

Landlords have backed plans for its two largest representative bodies to merge in the hopes of providing a "stronger voice for the private rented sector".

Members of the National Landlords Association (NLA) and Residential Landlords Association (RLA) have voted for the two organisations to unite to form the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

The new organisation is set to have a membership of more than 80,000 landlords.

Its members will own and manage half a million properties, the equivalent of 10% of the private rented sector.

The two chairs, Alan Ward (RLA) and Adrian Jeakings (NLA), have said in a joint statement: “We are delighted that landlords have backed plans for a new, stronger body to represent them and their interests.

“The new organisation will have a more powerful voice to support landlords, provide services to them and to lobby government.

“Both organisations will now move forward together to appoint a new Chair and Directors for the NRLA.

"We will be seeking candidates internally and externally and we would welcome expressions of interest from members for these posts.”

The association will officially launch on 1January 2020.