Hips 'ill thought out'

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The government's controversial Hips have not been properly planned, the RLA has warned.

According to the association's Mark Butterworth, the amount of extra paperwork that will be created will lead to a "disinvestment in the rented sector".

In addition, he noted that the RLA has already received complaints about the quality of service from pack providers and that the market has been "quieter" since Hips were introduced earlier this year.

He said: "The packs have a mind-numbing effect on people. It's another example of ill thought out, expensive legislation being foisted upon the sector and RLA members have complained, generally, about cost, delays and poor service from pack providers.

"Certainly agents report a surge in properties being listed prior to introduction - although it has been quieter since - and total disinterest from purchasers.

"There are concerns about the extension to two bed and rented property, and a general sentiment that any more paperwork is likely to lead to disinvestment in the rented sector."

Hips were implemented on August 1st for homes with four or more bedrooms and on September 10th for homes with three or more bedrooms.

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