The rented sector is likely to become an even more significant part of the local and national economy over the short and possibly medium term. In January 2008, the Government commissioned the University of York to carry out a review of the private rented sector.

The University of York has now published its recommendations on ways to improve the private rented sector. Recommendations include:

• Introducing a licensing system for landlords.
• Mandatory regulation for letting agencies.
• Increasing protection for vulnerable tenants and good landlords.
• Introducing a new independent complaints and redress procedure.
• Introducing tax changes to encourage landlords to expand their portfolio.
• Encouraging the private rented sector to assist households on lower incomes.
• Supporting landlords who house vulnerable people.
• Educating local authorities to support good landlords, tackling poorly performing landlords and promoting tenants’ rights.

The Government has stated that it will carefully consider the recommendations before deciding on what steps to take next and their findings will be published here over the coming weeks.