Migrant rental scheme exposes government policy mess

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) criticizes a government migrant housing scheme for exposing contradictory policies in the private rental sector. Serco, a Home Office contractor, is offering landlords five-year full-rent deals to house migrants in various property types, including HMOs and family homes.

The NRLA highlights inconsistencies between government departments, with one side aiming to meet housing targets while the other discourages investment in rental properties. Chief Executive Ben Beadle calls for regulatory and tax incentives to boost landlord confidence and address the housing crisis.

The English Private Landlord Survey reveals a growing trend of landlords reducing their portfolios, with only 7% planning to expand in 2024, down from 11% in previous years. Meanwhile, demand remains high, with 12 renters competing for each available property, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.