English and Welsh Private Landlords May Need £50 Registration

In reforms aimed at the Private Residential market, and due in a Green Paper within ten days, Landlords would have to be registered before letting any property under government plans. (The Times 5th May 2009)

There are approximately one million landlords in England and Wales, and the Government is worried that a growing number of unprofessional landlords are exploiting tenants.

Those wishing to let a residential property would have to pay a charge estimated at £50 to register with a national body.

Those Landlords that Registered would then have to comply with set standards and those who fail to carry out repairs or who intimidate tenants could be struck off.