The private rented sector (PRS) is a crucial part of the UK's housing market - and landlords play a 'vital' part in it.
That's the view of Housing Secretary Michael Gove who says he wants the sector to be fair and functioning for both landlords and tenants.
In an article for the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), Mr Gove praised the role of independent landlords in offering tenants 'flexibility and choice, and the value for money options that go with them'.
He also outlined the Government's plans to reform the sector, following the publication of the Renters' (Reform) Bill including the abolishing of 'no-fault' evictions, a lifetime deposit scheme and strengthening enforcement against rogue landlords.
Mr Gove said that these reforms would 'strike a balance for all' and create a more stable and secure rental market.
'Recognition of the importance of individual landlords'
Ben Beadle, the NRLA's chief executive said of the article: "We welcome the Housing Secretary's commitments, and his recognition of the importance of individual landlords.
"As he rightly notes, the Renters' (Reform) Bill needs to work for responsible landlords every bit as much as tenants.
"Without this, it will serve only to exacerbate the rental housing shortage many tenants are now facing."
He added: "The NRLA will continue to work closely with ministers to ensure the details of the Bill work for all.
"This includes campaigning for improvements to the courts system to ensure landlords are not left for months on end where they have a legitimate reason to repossess a property."
Relationship between a landlord and a tenant is an important one
Mr Gove also acknowledged that the relationship between a landlord and tenant is an important one as it involves 'a place that can be at the same time a home and an investment, a valued asset and precious security, a shelter and haven'.
He said that it was vital that these relationships work for everyone, and that both parties respect each other's rights and responsibilities.
The new Bill will, Mr Gove says, balance the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
Along with scrapping Section 21 repossessions, the reforms will introduce 'more comprehensive grounds for landlords to recover properties' in cases where there is a legitimate reason to do so, including rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or property damage.
'The law is there for the victim – whether tenant or landlord'
The article also stresses that the reforms will ensure that 'the law is there for the victim – whether tenant or landlord' in cases where relationships break down.
Mr Gove also promises to improve the court system for dealing with repossession cases, using 'digital platforms' to speed up the process and reduce delays.
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "There's a lot to be reassured about in Mr Gove's article - but there are still questions too.
"Landlords are still worried about how they can take back their property from a tenant who isn't paying rent or is being anti-social - there's no indication of how robust the new system will be."
He added: "And talk of using digital platforms in the process will worry landlords when we need a robust and quick court system and confidence that the PRS will still be worth investing in."
