RICS comments on the King's Speech

Renters reform

It is essential that we drive up quality and standards for tenants, whilst giving landlords the confidence to remain a critical part of the housing sector. The renter's reforms from the government go some way to achieving that. RICS is glad that the government has committed to our calls to reform the court system first, including its digitisation, which will support the eventual removal of ‘Section 21 – no fault evictions’. For tenants, the new Ombudsman will offer them greater protection and support in challenging unfair practices by landlords. However, the reforms will be of little comfort to renters facing increasing rents, and decreasing choices of homes whilst we continue to under-deliver on new housing supply.

Decent Homes Standard

The expansion of the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS, as included in the renters reform, will help improve living conditions, but landlords must be supported in its implementation. In parts of the UK, almost 40% of the private rental stock would currently fail to meet the standard – and we need to ensure landlords improve the quality of those homes rather than simply sell up and further exacerbate the rental crisis.

Leasehold reform

RICS is pleased that legislation will be introduced to make it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to purchase their leasehold property and tackle unfair service charges. This should provide greater protections and certainties for both tenants and landlords.

Planning reform

The planning system in the UK is one of the issues that need to be fixed to ensure housebuilding. RICS welcomes the government's continued focus to regenerate towns and "put local people in control of their future." Our recent construction survey revealed that a notable drop in housebuilding caused overall construction workloads to fall.

Changes to permitted development rights or removal of planning needs for extensions and conversions must be managed to avoid rabbit hutch homes; RICS regularly sees properties where relaxation in planning rules has come at the detriment of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Energy efficiency

RICS is disappointed that the government moved away from its commitment to introducing higher energy-efficiency standards into the rental market.  Included in the Kings Speech, should have been an announcement to reform EPC methodology, given the Independent Review into Net Zero recommendation to introduce new energy standards based on a new energy measurement system.

-ENDS-

About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks

Khicks@rics.org