‘Why won’t Government regulate agents like it does social housing managers?’
Property expert Kate Faulkner (main pic) says new rules to introduce professional qualifications for social housing managers are a “slap in the face for the PRS” after years of lobbying for similar standards.
The government has announced that about 25,000 managers will now need a housing management qualification equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing following changes to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, in a bid to protect tenants and raise standards in the sector.
Faulkner, who runs Propertychecklists.co.uk, says she has been begging housing ministers to accept Regulation of Property Agents proposals for licensing and qualifications, to no avail.
“Why should a social tenant be treated differently to a private one? I’ve no idea why the government won’t listen – perhaps they worry that agents would put their fees up, but it would make a massive difference,” she tells LandlordZONE.
“The government is inadvertently supporting bad agents by not regulating, as these agents have to compete with the bad guys who undercut them.”
The government believes the move will bring social housing more closely into line with other sectors providing front line services, including social work, teaching, and health and care services.
Tough new powers
Under the rules, the regulator will also get tough new powers, allowing it to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and to make emergency repairs – with landlords footing the bill.
It follows Awaab’s Law, forcing social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits. Any landlord who fails to meet the requirements could receive an unlimited fine.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove, says many social housing residents are not receiving the service or respect they deserve. He adds: “The changes we are delivering today will make sure social housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards across the board.”
View Full Article: ‘Why won’t Government regulate agents like it does social housing managers?’
Post comment
Categories
- Landlords (19)
- Real Estate (9)
- Renewables & Green Issues (1)
- Rental Property Investment (1)
- Tenants (21)
- Uncategorized (11,840)
Archives
- November 2024 (31)
- October 2024 (82)
- September 2024 (69)
- August 2024 (55)
- July 2024 (64)
- June 2024 (54)
- May 2024 (73)
- April 2024 (59)
- March 2024 (49)
- February 2024 (57)
- January 2024 (58)
- December 2023 (56)
- November 2023 (59)
- October 2023 (67)
- September 2023 (136)
- August 2023 (131)
- July 2023 (129)
- June 2023 (128)
- May 2023 (140)
- April 2023 (121)
- March 2023 (168)
- February 2023 (155)
- January 2023 (152)
- December 2022 (136)
- November 2022 (158)
- October 2022 (146)
- September 2022 (148)
- August 2022 (169)
- July 2022 (124)
- June 2022 (124)
- May 2022 (130)
- April 2022 (116)
- March 2022 (155)
- February 2022 (124)
- January 2022 (120)
- December 2021 (117)
- November 2021 (139)
- October 2021 (130)
- September 2021 (138)
- August 2021 (110)
- July 2021 (110)
- June 2021 (60)
- May 2021 (127)
- April 2021 (122)
- March 2021 (156)
- February 2021 (154)
- January 2021 (133)
- December 2020 (126)
- November 2020 (159)
- October 2020 (169)
- September 2020 (181)
- August 2020 (147)
- July 2020 (172)
- June 2020 (158)
- May 2020 (177)
- April 2020 (188)
- March 2020 (234)
- February 2020 (212)
- January 2020 (164)
- December 2019 (107)
- November 2019 (131)
- October 2019 (145)
- September 2019 (123)
- August 2019 (112)
- July 2019 (93)
- June 2019 (82)
- May 2019 (94)
- April 2019 (88)
- March 2019 (78)
- February 2019 (77)
- January 2019 (71)
- December 2018 (37)
- November 2018 (85)
- October 2018 (108)
- September 2018 (110)
- August 2018 (135)
- July 2018 (140)
- June 2018 (118)
- May 2018 (113)
- April 2018 (64)
- March 2018 (96)
- February 2018 (82)
- January 2018 (92)
- December 2017 (62)
- November 2017 (100)
- October 2017 (105)
- September 2017 (97)
- August 2017 (101)
- July 2017 (104)
- June 2017 (155)
- May 2017 (135)
- April 2017 (113)
- March 2017 (138)
- February 2017 (150)
- January 2017 (127)
- December 2016 (90)
- November 2016 (135)
- October 2016 (149)
- September 2016 (135)
- August 2016 (48)
- July 2016 (52)
- June 2016 (54)
- May 2016 (52)
- April 2016 (24)
- October 2014 (8)
- April 2012 (2)
- December 2011 (2)
- November 2011 (10)
- October 2011 (9)
- September 2011 (9)
- August 2011 (3)
Calendar
Recent Posts
- Bought a property at auction without details of existing tenant?
- Buying a property at auction with a sitting tenant?
- Government’s second homes policy doesn’t address the housing crisis
- Council inspects 500 PRS homes – and finds 2,000 issues
- Labour urged to bring in secret inspections of rented properties