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ARLA managing director David Cox says his wish for 2015 is to have a fully-regulated private rental sector.

In his New Year message, Cox says that better regulation would help rid the sector of the minority of rogue landlords and agents who tarnish the image of the industry.

Labour is pro regulation but has also pledged to introduce three-year tenancy agreements with strict rules which will make it more difficult to evict tenants. This could see landlords pull out of the market he warns. But whichever party wins May's election, he forsees long-term fundamental change for the sector which could be make or break.

Cox has also repeated ARLA's demand to see more houses being built.

As new homes come on to the market at one end - from both foreign investors and landlords in London and south east who are buying up portfolios in the north of the country. We're also seeing accidental landlords leaving the sector at the other end - they are no longer in the negative equity which forced them into the market notes Cox.

However, even with some increase in supply during 2015, we still expect to see growth in rental prices of around two to three per cent.

Cox also warns that if the Right To Rent checks are rolled out from their current West Midlands trial to the rest of the country, they may push vulnerable tenants into the arms of rogue operators.

Comments

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    Just who do you think should 'regulate' the PRS. One that would not 'empire build' as many government controlled 'regulators' do, thereby interfering with a free market and free enterprise
    I agree with 'regulation' but one that requires membership of the existing independent RICS or ARLA. However, they would have to do a far better job of control and supervision than at present!

    • 18 December 2014 09:41 AM
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