Unless the government's promise to open up the 'Rogue Landlords' database to tenants comes with enforcement action, it will be a pointless exercise, one organisation warns.
The National Landlords' Association is responding to a consultation unveiled by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
They want to allow tenants to see who is on the rogue landlords' database and also extend the potential list of offences that may lead to a landlord's inclusion on that list.
The NLA's director of policy, Chris Norris, said: "If local authorities are not going to use powers they have to enforce and identify these landlords, it's not going to be of much use.
"The local authorities inability to enforce against bad practice is the big issue facing the private rental sector. Instead of spending money and time on a consultation, the government would do better giving the money to local authorities for the purpose of tackling criminal landlords."
Abolition of no-fault Section 21 evictions
The MHCLG has also announced the results of a consultation that will lead to the abolition of no-fault Section 21 evictions with the rules for Section 8 being 'strengthened'. It appears likely that Assured Shorthold Tenancies will come to an end.
Mr Norris added: "The court system is in dire need of reform, so we're happy to see any action but improvements need to be in place, properly funded and functional before changes to Section 21 are contemplated by the government.
"Landlords rely on Section 21 to compensate for the failings of the fault-based Section 8 process which has become time-consuming and costly."
Be more selective when choosing tenants
The Residential Landlords' Association has also carried out one of its largest surveys and found that 84% of agents and landlords say that plans to scrap no-fault repossessions would mean they will be more selective when choosing tenants.
The RLA says that this will inevitably mean that landlords will be less likely renting to someone who they consider to be a higher risk with rent arrears and who may cause damage to their property.
Also, tenants with pets may struggle to find a home to rent.
The RLA's policy director, David Smith, said: "While no landlord should abuse the system, it's only fair and right they can repossess a property swiftly and with certainty in legitimate circumstances.
"Only Section 21 presently provides the certainty and if the government gets rid of it, then landlords should have the same level of confidence about repossessing their property in cases such as antisocial behaviour, rent arrears or if they want to sell up."
'Landlords will leave the market'
He added: "Without that confidence, landlords will leave the market which makes it more difficult for the growing numbers of tenants looking for a home to rent."
He said that a secure tenancy will mean nothing 'unless there are homes to rent in the first place'.
