The boss of a hospitality and housing management firm, John Angus, has stated that the failure of private landlords to engage with councils is a central cause of the ongoing housing crisis.
Angus, the managing director at Switch Management, made this claim in a recent column for Inside Housing, an industry journal. He argues that the reluctance of landlords to cooperate with local authorities has exacerbated the situation.
In his article, titled “The reluctance of private landlords to engage with councils is at the heart of the housing crisis”, Angus highlights the severe shortage of social housing available. He points out that, as a result, local councils have become increasingly dependent on sourcing temporary accommodation to meet demand.
However, this reliance on temporary housing often leads to challenges. Angus describes these accommodations as “increasingly expensive and often substandard,” further adding strain to an already struggling system.
Angus believes that addressing this issue and encouraging greater collaboration between private landlords and councils could play a key role in solving the housing crisis.
John Angus, the managing director of Switch Management, sheds light on the escalating cost of council spending on temporary accommodation, particularly in major cities. As local authorities continue to face increasing pressure, the need for affordable housing solutions has never been more urgent. However, Angus identifies a significant factor that he believes is at the root of the housing crisis — the reluctance of private landlords to engage with local councils.
In his article published in Inside Housing, Angus highlights how councils have become increasingly reliant on sourcing temporary accommodation due to the chronic shortage of social housing. As the demand for affordable housing outstrips supply, local authorities have been forced to turn to private landlords to provide emergency housing for those in need. Unfortunately, this has led to what Angus describes as “increasingly expensive and often substandard accommodation.”
The core issue, Angus argues, lies in the reluctance of private landlords to collaborate with local authorities. While this reluctance is understandable, based on poor past experiences and possibly outdated perceptions of working with councils, Angus believes there is a way forward. He stresses that the issue is not beyond repair and that both parties could benefit from a more collaborative approach.
Angus points out that companies like his, which act on behalf of councils, can bridge the gap between private landlords and local authorities. He believes that by providing professional management services and guaranteeing rental income, landlords could enjoy the benefits of working with councils without the usual pitfalls they may have encountered in the past. These services would allow landlords to maximise their property’s potential without having to bear the additional costs typically associated with letting or maintaining a property.
One of the significant advantages of engaging with local councils, as Angus explains, is the guarantee of a steady rental income. Landlords who might otherwise be wary of non-payment issues or tenancy disputes could find reassurance in the stability of guaranteed rent. This, combined with professional property management, allows for the smooth running of the landlord’s property portfolio without the stress of managing day-to-day issues.
Additionally, Angus highlights the financial security that comes with fully underwritten bills. For landlords, this provides peace of mind knowing that the financial aspects of the property are covered, reducing the risk of unexpected costs. Furthermore, regular property inspections ensure that any issues, whether related to the condition of the property or tenancy concerns, are swiftly identified and addressed.
By managing the process end-to-end, Angus and his team work to simplify the administrative burden for landlords. With paperwork and logistical concerns handled by the management company, landlords can focus on other aspects of their business or investment portfolio, knowing that their properties are being properly managed and maintained.
Ultimately, Angus believes that a more collaborative approach between private landlords and local authorities could help address the housing crisis more effectively. By working together, landlords could reduce the financial risk associated with renting to temporary tenants, while councils could provide more stable and higher-quality accommodation for those in need, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
You can read his full piece here: https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/the-reluctance-of-private-landlords-to-engage-with-councils-is-at-the-heart-of-the-housing-crisis-91473
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