That’s according to a study from Landbay, which polled landlords on their views. The government has proposed creating a private rented sector ombudsman as part of its Renters Reform Bill, with landlords legally required to join.
Such an ombudsman would be tasked with helping to resolve debates between tenants and landlords at a low cost, without the need of involving the court system.
Of the landlords polled, just 42 per cent thought that such an ombudsman would be a good idea, with 10 per cent against it. The remaining 48 per cent said they were unsure and wanted more information about what the ombudsman’s role would be.
The landlords who expressed support for a rented sector ombudsman emphasised the need for impartiality, and welcomed the prospect of disputes being cleared up quickly, as opposed to lengthy court cases.
Among those opposed to the creation of the ombudsman was the fear that they would always side with the tenant, or that it was simply a money-making scheme. There was scepticism among those unsure about the ombudsman around whether it would speed up dispute resolution, with some noting that adding another layer could worsen things given government-run departments are often slow.
Paul Brett (pictured), managing director of intermediaries at Landbay, said the survey was a good indication of the general uncertainty around the idea of a private rented sector ombudsman.
He continued: “On the positive side, it would be good if disputes could be quickly resolved without having to go to court, but there is some scepticism as to how quick this would be. It appears that more information is needed before such a scheme is created.”
The Private Renters Reform Bill is not expected to pass into law until next year at the earliest. It also includes the banning of no-fault evictions, with Shelter suggesting that the delay in turning the bill into law is leading to more than 170 families a day being served these notices.
