NLA criticises government buy to let proposals

28 January 2010

Written by Steve Olejnik

Buy to let landlords may soon have to apply for planning permission for new shared housing in a government move that has been condemned by the National Landlords Association (NLA).

Yesterday (January 27th) housing and planning minister John Healey announced the plans, which would mean that any new property housing three or more unrelated tenants would have to have planning permission.

"Private landlords play a big part in meeting the housing needs of millions so I want to raise the standards and stamp out the worst landlords that drag down the reputation of the rest," Mr Healey explained.

Councils will also be able to implement "no-go" areas for landlords and tenants in private-rented shared housing.

But chairman of the NLA David Salusbury has criticised the move, claiming that it will not help tenants and that it was introduced to placate certain protest groups.

"What we have before us is draconian and is quite simply using a sledgehammer to crack a nut," he commented.

Furthermore, the proposals will "swamp" local authority planning departments and could damage vibrant rental markets, Mr Salusbury noted.

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