Response to the Chancellor's selective licensing Blunder

The Eastern Landlords Association (ELA) has issued a strong response following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ admission of breaching housing law, calling the incident a “perfect example” of the challenges landlords face in keeping up with ever-changing legislation.

“This case highlights the chaotic and complex regulatory landscape that landlords must navigate daily,” ELA Chair, Paul Cunningham said. “If a senior policymaker -who actively campaigned for selective licensing in Leeds - is unable to comply with the very laws she promoted due to lack of knowledge, it raises serious concerns about the clarity and fairness of the system.”

Mr Cunningham emphasised that penalties for non-compliance, which may include both civil and criminal consequences, must be applied consistently across the board. Alternatively, the enforcement framework must be reviewed to ensure it is proportionate and equitable for all landlords.

Challenging Misconceptions About PRS Landlord Income

The ELA Chair also raises the implication suggesting that income from private rented sector (PRS) landlords is “unearned”. Landlords and associations alike strongly refuted this characterisation, highlighting the extensive work and responsibility involved in managing rental properties. Landlords are required to navigate a complex regulatory environment, ensure compliance with numerous legal obligations, and manage the day-to-day issues that arise in property letting. This active involvement demonstrates that income derived from the PRS is far from passive or unearned, as it demands significant time, effort, and expertise from landlords.

Mr Cunningham argues that such a stance misrepresents the reality of property letting. “Letting property is far from passive,” Mr Cunningham continued. “Landlords bear sole responsibility for compliance with a wide range of legislation—from GDPR and licensing requirements, to Right to Rent checks and property management. The risks and obligations are significant, and they fall squarely on the landlord—not a letting agent.”

The ELA is calling for a more informed and balanced public discourse around landlord responsibilities and urges policymakers to engage meaningfully with the sector to ensure legislation is both effective and practicable.