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The continuing Brexit debate has seen practically every industry calling for certainty and, so far, it\u2019s not been forthcoming. Our industry is no different. The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has asked the Government for clarification on the rights of EU nationals in the light of Brexit because no specific guidance has so far been issued.<\/p>\n
Running a business is challenging enough, but when you don\u2019t know the rules it\u2019s doubly difficult. Not only do we not know how Right to Rent checks are affected by our plans to leave the EU, but we\u2019re also still awaiting the results of last month\u2019s High Court ruling that the checks lead to discrimination and, therefore, breach the European Convention on Human Rights. Perhaps the uncertainty is not surprising given the overall lack of clarity concerning one of the biggest shake-ups the country has faced for decades.<\/p>\n
The RLA\u2019s request is, however, far more than a minor administrative niggle that needs sorting. It\u2019s estimated that around two-thirds of EU nationals currently living in the UK are in rented property. Landlords and agents are already showing increased reluctance to let to those without a UK passport, and the confusion about rights is worsening. We\u2019re in the ludicrous situation where landlords could face prosecution if they get things wrong, but they\u2019ve never been told the rules.<\/p>\n
This week, Cadman Homes Director Adam McHenry has written to his MP in desperation, stating that the industry has had too many things to deal with. Citing Right to Rent, the fees ban, tax changes and the impact of Brexit, he\u2019s called for recognition of the damage inflicted on the sector. It\u2019s easy to argue that this sector is currently the scapegoat for successive governments\u2019 failed housing policies. Whether there\u2019s truth in that or not \u2013 I\u2019ll leave you to form your own opinion \u2013 I can\u2019t think that battering any legitimate industry makes sense. Thriving industries are essential to a healthy economy and \u2013 now, perhaps more than ever \u2013 we should be promoting conditions where our industries can thrive.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m an advocate of getting proactive in the face of challenges. I believe we must be adaptable, resilient and positive. Together \u2013 landlords, agents and professional bodies \u2013 we make up a substantial voice. And although there\u2019s a lot of anger and frustration in the industry, ranting and raving won\u2019t get us anywhere. I believe we must remain highly professional when we make the case to our political leaders for more sympathetic treatment. In this most recent case \u2013 the complete lack of direction on Right-to-Rent, asking for clarity is entirely reasonable. We are showing that we are thinking of the rights, the housing and the opportunities available to EU nationals, even if the Government has other things on its mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The continuing Brexit debate has seen practically every industry calling for certainty and, so far, it\u2019s not been forthcoming. Our industry is no different. The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has asked the Government for clarification on the rights of EU nationals in the light of Brexit because no specific guidance has so far been […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2174],"tags":[2148,89,283,144,2098],"yoast_head":"\n