I have a rental property bought 15 years ago as part of a planned total retirement income. The choice of property over other investments was the expectation of stable returns + (possibly) some increase in asset value.
Problems are fixed promptly. It is maintained to a high standard. Rent is lower mid market. This allows a reasonable choice of tenant - to date no problems bar the odd late payment.
The only significant loss was a letting agent who thought that deposits and rents were better spent on a Porsche and fine wine hobby. Sadly his bankruptcy meant the money was gone for good.
A lease or rental agreement is simply a contract - an enforceable mutuality of obligations:
- the landlord provides the property for an agreed price, term, condition, etc
- the tenant pays the contracted rent, fulfils contracted obligations etc
Landlords are not a branch of social services. Remedies for both landlord and tenant to enforce swiftly and fairly that to which they have agreed should be available to both. Any updates to the regulatory framework should reflect a sense of mutual obligation.
Regulatory demands on landlords have rightly increased over the last few years, but will reduce the number of rental properties available - compliance is costly and burdensome
Stresses in the property market arise due to an excess of demand over supply - particularly in popular areas. Encouraging the sale of rental properties through greater regulation or obligation will simply shift, not remove, the stress.
The solution is more housebuilding or less people.
Further regulation, unless it is (a) fair to both parties, (b) readily and cheaply enforceable, and (c) free of unintended consequences, should be avoided. No fault evictions or rent control legislation would need to be vary carefully drafted to avoid these pitfalls.