Renting on the rise as flexible alternative

The private-rented sector (PRS) is playing an increasingly important part in providing housing in the UK, according to delegates who attended the National Landlords Association (NLA) fringe events at this year’s political party conferences.

Troubled by the disproportionate attention given to virtually inaccessible social renting and owner occupation, the NLA posed the question: “Where would we be without UK landlords?” and concluded that far from being a second best option, rental accommodation forms a vital part of the UK’s housing mix.

The Liberal Democrat event discussed the cultural shift away from the UK obsession with home ownership towards the flexibility that renting provides.

Jake Berry MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Housing Minister, told the Conservative fringe event in Manchester:

“Where would we be without UK Landlords?  The answer is in real, real trouble.  They are absolutely vital to the Government’s housing plans and supporting the economy.  I think the future of the private-rented sector is bright, it can only expand and play a greater role in providing housing in the UK.”

David Salusbury, NLA Chairman, commented:

“A diverse housing mix in the UK is to be encouraged and the private-rented sector will play an increasingly important role in providing homes in the UK. It currently makes up 14% of all households and we expect this to rise as people move away from homeownership towards more flexible forms of accommodation.”   

-ENDS-

Press enquires only, please contact:

Lucy Cheeseman, PR Manager, NLA
0207 840 8906
lucy.cheeseman@landlords.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The National Landlords Association (NLA) is the UK’s leading organisation for private-residential landlords. It has over 20,000 paid-up members, ranging from full-time landlords with large property portfolios to those with just a single letting. NLA membership helps landlords make a success of their lettings business by providing a wide range of information, advice and services. The NLA campaigns for the legitimate interests of landlords by seeking to influence decision-makers at all levels of government and by making landlords’ collective voice heard in the media. It seeks to raise standards in the private-rented sector while aiming to ensure that landlords are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilities. Based at its head office in Central London, the NLA currently employs over 40 full-time staff and has a network of more than 40 regional representatives and branches throughout the UK.