How the private rented sector has improved since introduction of the National Registration Scheme for Private Landlords.

Private Landlord Registration is a key tool to raise standards of accommodation and management in the private rented sector. It also increases the visibility of the sector and provides local authorities with information about privately rented properties and landlords in their area. Since the introduction of registration there have been over 142,000 applications from private landlords which contain details of over 198,000 let properties. This information provides local authorities with an indication of the number of private landlords and properties operating within their area and helps them to include the sector in planning for housing at a local level.
Engagement between local authorities and private landlords has also increased, for example, there have been over 120 landlord forums held across different local authorities since the scheme began.
Registration places a duty on local authorities to provide advice to landlords and tenants on general letting issues. In addition, many local authorities issue regular newsletters which are intended to keep the sector informed about the law and their responsibilities as landlords. Training and guidance is also provided by some local authorities.
We have committed to an evaluation of the scheme in 2010 which will look at the overall impact that registration has had.