National Residential Landlords Association ( NRLA)

The NRLA (National Residential Landlords Association) is the UK’s premier landlord association. It is the country’s largest membership organization for private residential landlords in England and Wales and represents the interests and problems of over 95,000 members. One of the key issues that the NRLA is actively pursuing is that of anti-social tenants. According to the Association, landlords who seek possession from tenants because of anti-social behavior receive little support from the police and local authorities. Most of the victims of anti-social behaviour were not willing to provide evidence to the authorities as they feared reprisal by such tenants. Section 21 notices are the only route available for landlords under such circumstances.

Anti-Social Tenants

Most of the anti-social tenants remain in the property and cause misery for incoming tenants and neighbours. The NRLA had demanded that where landlords have evidence about the anti-social behaviour of a tenant, the matter must be viewed very seriously. The newly made up UK government has announced the acceptance of various proposals from the NRLA regarding issues related to anti-social tenants.

NRLA’s Annual Conference

At the NRLA’s Annual Conference, the Minister for the Private Rented Sector, Felicity Buchan, delivered her first speech as Minister. The MP said that the Government’s goal was to “strengthen the grounds enabling landlords to tackle anti-social behaviour when Section 21 repossessions are scrapped.” The NRLA has proposed to convene a meeting of key stakeholders representing landlords, tenants, the police, local authorities, and others. They wanted to make plans that could ensure swift and effective action against anti-social tenants. The Minister accepted the proposal.

Government Minister on Rental Sector Reforms

Addressing delegates, the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to reform the private rented sector for responsible landlords and tenants. The Minister said that the Government was aware of the impact its plans could have on the student housing market. She promised to look at what could be done to ensure that the plans do not adversely affect the student housing sector. She also stressed the importance of the court system working “properly and efficiently” when Section 21 is abolished.

“The Government does not support rent controls because we know that such a policy would lead to disinvestment in the sector, which is not good for anyone,” the Minister added. Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, welcomed the Minister’s statements and views.

“We welcome the Minister’s comments and agree that the Government’s rental reform plans need to enjoy the confidence of both responsible landlords and tenants.” Ben Beadle reiterated. The NRLA is of the view that more needs to be done to tackle the behaviour of the anti-social tenants when Section 21 is removed. The Association has welcomed the acceptance of their proposal by the Minister for a meeting on the issue.

“It is vital that all key stakeholders representing landlords, tenants, the police, and others can develop clear and workable plans to ensure neighbours and fellow tenants alike are not left at the mercy of nightmare tenants.” Chief Executive, NRLA, Ben Beadle, added.