Rugg review makes recommendations to improve rental sector

Date:Friday 24th October 2008
Author:

An independent review into the Private Rented Sector (PRS) has come to several conclusions to improve it.

Headed by Julie Rugg of the University of York, the review, released today by the government department Communities and Local Government, recommends introducing a "light touch licensing system" and compulsory regulation for letting agencies.

This is intended to help vulnerable tenants and responsible landlords.

Furthermore, the Rugg review suggests introducing tax changes to help good landlords develop, including stamp duty alterations to encourage them to purchase more properties.

A new independent complaints and redress procedure for consumers was also recommended, as was the encouragement of local authorities to understand the sector better and help responsible landlords.

Housing minister Margaret Beckett said the government welcomed the report and would consider it when devising the next course of action.

"There is still much to do to protect the most vulnerable tenants from the minority of unscrupulous landlords," she said.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors called on the government to approach involved parties as collaborators with genuine, rather than vested, interests in the issues.

It said that the report would be "a lost opportunity" otherwise.