NLA complains of rental sector overregulation in Hastings

News Category: Legal

Hastings Borough Council has been accused of creating overly restrictive regulations for the rented property sector by an industry body.

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has responded with anger to plans revealed this month to create an additional licensing scheme for property owners, which aims to tackle problems concerning houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Announced earlier in September, the council plans aim to ensure HMO quality standards do not suffer in the face of high demand, but the NLA has voiced dissatisfaction with the costs associated with the scheme, reports the Hastings & St Leonards Observer.

Tony Richard of the NLA said the regulations already enforced by Hastings Borough Council should be sufficient to tackle this issue, adding that the new laws will create unnecessary red tape.

"It will lead only to a reduction in the supply of shared housing, affecting those in most need of affordable housing options, such as young professionals, students and those on low incomes," he stated.

Earlier this month, the industry body called for tenants to be given more choice over how housing benefits are paid to private landlords, in order to provide more flexibility and security.

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