1. Introduction to the NRLA

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is the UK’s largest membership organization for private residential landlords in England and Wales. Representing over 95,000 members, the NRLA advocates for landlords' rights and addresses key issues affecting the rental sector. One major concern that the association actively pursues is the challenge of anti-social tenants.

2. Challenges with Anti-Social Tenants

Anti-social tenants often cause distress for landlords, neighbors, and incoming tenants. The NRLA has emphasized the need for stronger support for landlords dealing with such tenants. Many victims of anti-social behavior hesitate to provide evidence due to fear of retaliation. Currently, landlords rely on Section 21 notices as their primary legal recourse, but these are set to be abolished.

NRLA’s Annual Conference

3. NRLA’s Advocacy and Government Engagement

The NRLA has been pushing for policy changes to address anti-social behavior in rental properties. The UK government recently announced that it would adopt various proposals from the NRLA to strengthen landlords' ability to take action against problematic tenants. The association continues to stress the importance of treating anti-social behavior as a serious issue.

4. Key Discussions at the NRLA’s Annual Conference

At the NRLA’s Annual Conference, Felicity Buchan, Minister for the Private Rented Sector, addressed landlords for the first time in her new role. She acknowledged the Government’s goal to introduce stronger legal grounds for tackling anti-social behavior, especially in light of the planned removal of Section 21. The NRLA proposed a meeting involving key stakeholders—landlords, tenants, the police, and local authorities—to create a more effective strategy for dealing with such issues, a proposal the Minister accepted.

5. Government’s Commitment to Rental Sector Reforms

During her speech, Minister Felicity Buchan reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to reforming the private rented sector. She assured landlords that the Government would consider the impact of new policies on the student housing market and emphasized the importance of an efficient court system post-Section 21. The Minister also dismissed rent controls, stating that they would discourage investment in the sector.

6. NRLA’s Response and Future Plans

NRLA’s Chief Executive, Ben Beadle, welcomed the Minister’s remarks, agreeing that rental reforms should protect both landlords and tenants. However, he reiterated that more action is needed to tackle anti-social behavior once Section 21 is abolished. The NRLA is committed to working with stakeholders to create clear, enforceable plans to protect landlords, neighbors, and tenants from disruptive individuals.

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.

Government’s Commitment to Rental Sector Reforms

During her speech, Minister Felicity Buchan reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to reforming the private rented sector. She assured landlords that the Government would consider the impact of new policies on the student housing market and emphasized the importance of an efficient court system post-Section 21. The Minister also dismissed rent controls, stating that they would discourage investment in the sector.

NRLA’s Response and Future Plans

NRLA’s Chief Executive, Ben Beadle, welcomed the Minister’s remarks, agreeing that rental reforms should protect both landlords and tenants. However, he reiterated that more action is needed to tackle anti-social behavior once Section 21 is abolished. The NRLA is committed to working with stakeholders to create clear, enforceable plans to protect landlords, neighbors, and tenants from disruptive individuals.