
Landlords are feeling peeved that Housing Secretary Steve Reed failed to acknowledge them in its Renters’ Rights Act publicity.
A recent Facebook post from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says: “Last week Housing Secretary, Steve Reed met with renters and spoke at the Renters' Reform Coalition to discuss these historic protections. From ending no-fault evictions to challenging unfair rent increases, we are delivering security for renters.”
One photograph shows Reed laughing with Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, while another features NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle (pictured in the foreground of photo) at a government meeting – however, landlords get no mention. An NRLA spokesman says it is writing privately to MHCLG on the issue.

Beadle posts: “FFS – you met with landlords too! That’s my receding hairline in shot! Honestly, I do not understand why they say they met with key sector stakeholders to discuss implementation. There were seven of us: NRLA, the Lettings Industry Council, Shelter, British Property Federation, Local Government Association, Renters’ Reform Coalition and Generation Rent – not just renters.”
The MHCLG post prompted hundreds of responses, many criticising the government for its reforms and a number echoing Beadle’s comments. One asked: “Did he meet with landlords?” Another said: “So you meet with the renters but not the landlords? All the private landlords I know are selling up, so where are you going to put all the tenants?
Founder of the Lettings Advice Service, Julie Ford, believes it clearly shows the government’s direction of travel. She comments: “If they explained they met with everyone it affects then the tenant activist groups would be offended and need a little protest.”
Prominent Scottish letting agent Jim Parker remarks dryly: “It’s not popular to meet with landlords.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson tells LandlordZONE: “Of course we greatly value the contribution that landlords make to the private rental sector, and have been engaging with the NRLA regularly as we have introduced our landmark Renters’ Rights Act. We look forward to working very closely with NRLA and other groups as we implement the Act."
Tags:
Comments