Arla calls for government help for landlords

News Category: Industry News

This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium rent management software

Letting agents and landlords operating in the private rental sector need government assistance to improve the quality of housing stock, Arla has claimed.

The letting agents' organisation has asked chancellor Alistair Darling to introduce a number of measures in his Pre-Budget Report, including introducing capital allowances for landlords to improve their older properties.

Arla also wants to see the removal of VAT on the costs of materials and labour used to improve ageing properties on the rental market.

Ian Potter, Arla operations director, said that the private rental sector was currently carrying the burden of the lack of housing stock in the UK.

"What is manifestly apparent is that landlords need governmental assistance in ensuring that stock is of the quality that modern housing standards demand," he said, citing government statistics that estimate around 750,000 properties in the private rental sector are below standard.

Last month, Arla joined forces with the National Association of Estate Agents to modernise the current system of Stamp Duty.

The organisations wish to see the level at which the tax is introduced go up in line with inflation each year and called for an immediate increase on its current threshold of £175,000.

Find out more about letting agency software