Propertymark has called for further clarification and disclosure from the Labour Party on their plans to address concerns over improving the private rented sector if they win the upcoming general election.
Labour’s aims include a 2030 deadline for private landlords to ensure properties are energy efficient, ending Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, extending Awaab’s Law to protect private renters from damp, cold, and mould, ending ‘bidding wars’ between landlords, allowing tenants to challenge rent increases, and building 1.5 million more homes.
The private rented sector has become a key campaign focus, with the Conservatives pledging to reintroduce the Renters Reform Bill if re-elected.
In its August 2023 report “Energy efficiency in UK property: Where to go from here?”, Propertymark’s members overwhelmingly called for support for landlords to cover retrofit enhancement costs, as well as loans and grants for energy efficiency upgrades. Propertymark is ready to engage fully with the Labour Party if they gain power next month.
Regarding the abolition of Section 21, Propertymark stated in December 2023 that court improvements must be implemented before abolishing Section 21. The House of Commons Justice Committee agreed, suggesting the Government consider additional mandatory grounds for possession via a Section 8 notice, including persistent late payment of rent.
Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark will work with the next government to improve the private rented sector for landlords, agents, and tenants, and we share any ambition to improve standards over the next parliamentary term.
“However, while on the one hand, the private rented sector should contribute towards decarbonisation, the sector needs clear clarity on what financial and practical support will be provided to landlords at the first opportunity.”
