Over 2,000 landlords demand change

It is all in aid of their drive to improve the legal process for landlords by making the tenant eviction for problem tenants easier and improving landlords’ rights of access.

The petition,  which will be presented to Downing Street by Landlord Action and Mike Weatherley MP, is due to close on 5th November so landlords are being urged to back the campaign  now. 

Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action, comments:

“The fact that over 2,000 landlords have given their support to this campaign is a clear indication that landlords are unhappy. The process takes far too long – something that Landlord Action sees on a daily basis. 2,000 landlords are now asking the Government to recognise landlords’ concerns and to begin taking steps to improve the situation.”

From the outset, the campaign has been backed by the Residential Landlords Association, the Southern Landlord Association and Mike Weatherley MP, but now over 15 key organisations and companies within the private rented sector are supporting this call for change.

Here is what some of them have to say:

Mike Stimpson, Southern Landlords Association said:

“Why should any private landlord be required – by law – to continue to provide a service (often for up to six months) when the client will not pay for it?”

Alan Ward, Chairman, Residential Landlords Association commented:

“While court fees are rising as they are, it seems wholly wrong that we should have to pay more for a deteriorating service with even longer waiting lists."

Sally Lawson, Managing Director of Concentric Lettings and Regional Spokesperson for ARLA said:

“Landlords are adding value to the residential housing needs and are being unnecessarily punished, and in some cases losing their property, all because of a tardy judicial system.”

Bryn Cole, Director, FCC Paragon stated:
 
“Landlords are restricted enough as it is and an easing of further burdens can only be seen as a positive for the whole industry.”

Mike Weatherley, Member of Parliament for Hove & Portslade concludes:

“I salute the work of Landlord Action in highlighting the problems caused by unscrupulous tenants. The collection of 2,000 signatures in such a short space of time quite clearly demonstrates that it is not a small problem either. I will do all that I can to take the matter further in Parliament.”