Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, has penned a letter to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, representing the concerns of a housing sector coalition over the issue of tenant abandonment in rented properties.
The first reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill in May 2023 has left Propertymark perturbed about specific areas that lack clarity, especially concerning the abandonment of tenancies. They are now pressing for stricter protections for landlords, citing the various challenges posed by an abandoned property.
These challenges include increased overheads for landlords, such as elevated insurance costs and difficulties in safeguarding tenant possessions. Additionally, an unoccupied property can become a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Current legal regulations allow tenants to return to the property at any point, making it impossible for landlords to relet or occupy the premises.
Propertymark suggests that the UK Government should consider provisions akin to those in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Under this act, a landlord must attempt to contact an absent tenant for one month, after which they can terminate the tenancy if they believe the property has been abandoned. This approach acknowledges that landlords are unlikely to reclaim a property unless sure of its abandonment.
Alternatively, the coalition’s letter proposes the activation of provisions on abandonment under Part 3 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016. Though currently unenforced, these measures would allow private landlords to recover possession of abandoned residential properties more easily.
The plea for more robust regulations aims to unlock properties stuck in limbo, thereby maximising the number of homes available for rent. It also seeks to mitigate the risks associated with vacant properties and provide greater security to landlords.
