30/05/2008

Select Committee could have gone further says ARLA

Although welcoming the Select Committee report into the supply of rented housing, published 21st May, ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, believes that it could have said more to help consolidate and build on the successes of the Private Rented Sector over the past decade.

Commented Ian Potter, Head of Operations for ARLA, "Many of the recommendations to government are aspects that ARLA has long proposed. The Association looks forward to contributing meaningful suggestions to government, particularly in support of the Select Committee's suggestion that the Private Rented Sector requires financial incentives for private landlords."

In calling for the accreditation of letting agents, the Select Committee went part-way towards meeting ARLA proposals for full licensing of all letting agents. However, the Association was disappointed that the Select Committee report failed to tackle the problems with licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation.

"The inconsistencies in the requirements and the variation in licensing costs between local authorities have left an unsatisfactory situation for landlords operating in this section of the rental market. However, all are agreed that effective licensing of HMOs is very necessary," said Ian Potter.

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