Most landlords unsure or opposed to private rental sector Ombudsman

Over half of landlords are either against the concept of a private rental sector Ombudsman or are actively against it.

As part of the Renters Reform Bill, the government is proposing to create an Ombudsman, which all landlords will be legally required to join.

The aim of the Ombudsman is to ensure disputes between private renters and landlords are settled impartially, quickly, at a low cost and without going to court.

Buy to let mortgage provider Landbay - in research undertaken earlier this year - 48 per cent of landlords were unsure whether the Ombudsman was a good idea and a further 10 per cent opposed it outright.

Only 42 per cent agreed the Ombudsman was a good idea.

Those landlords in favour were keen to point out that it must be impartial and would welcome timely resolution of disputes rather than lengthy court cases.

Those opposed believed it would always side with the tenant and it was just a money-making scheme.

Responses from those who were unsure included questioning whether an Ombudsman would speed up resolving disputes: respondents noted that government-run departments are very slow and adding another layer could worsen things.

The Renters Reform Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons in May but is not expected to pass into law until 2024 or even 2025.

Paul Brett, managing director of intermediaries at Landbay, comments: “Our survey found uncertainty around the idea of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. 

“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 as scheme is created.”

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