The term “Landlord” originates from feudal times, where it denoted a person who held land and had certain rights and responsibilities over it and its inhabitants.
Initially this concept was tied to a hierarchical system where the Monarch or ‘Lord’ held ultimate ownership. There were lesser Nobles and Barons who would manage and rent out portions of the land.
Over the years the term has evolved to refer to anyone who owns and rents out property, regardless of their social standing.
Source: Google
In modern terms a ‘landlord’ is typically an individual or entity that owns a property and leases it to a tenant for rent, often as a business venture.
My opinion is that this term is out of place in modern society and gives ordinary persons association with a title to which they are not suited. There is absolutely no reason to give a title to someone who owns or manages a property. Most often in the City of London especially, very few people actually own the Land, most are Leaseholders and not Freeholders.
The term ‘Lord’ would be better off reserved for those noble persons who are befitting of access to Titleship. The use of this term often gives rise to persons thinking that they are entitled to a level of authority
Currently there are some major changes happening with relation to the Laws applicable to Landlord and Tenant agreements. The ‘Renters Reform Bill’ is making its way through the Parliamentary process so that the much needed reform of these laws can take place.
There are several changes including a much needed opportunity for tenants to have more flexibility to provide notice to end Fixed Term tenancies. For many years there has been no such opportunity and many persons have been trapped living in places where even if they find a suitable alternative they are not able to move without being in breach of contract and significant financial liability. This has meant that most often in my own personal experience it can be very difficult to find a place to move to and persons have to be very fortunate to find anywhere conveniently available at the end of their tenancy.
Most often the Property Owner or Manager would have the upper hand and demand a renewal of the fixed term contract. Obligating this person even if they are uncomfortable or unhappy to continue to live in often unpleasant or unfavourable conditions. Until they are able to secure a suitable alternative. According to my research there are a lot of people who are unhappy with their current accommodation but it is very difficult and costly to move. Moving home is often cited to be one of the most stressful processes and there are many instances of people being ‘stuck’ and unable to find a place to move to.
The other major area of concern that I have found is prohibitive to the process and is obstructing many potentially good tenants from moving forward. Is that most Agents are stating that it is required for persons to fulfill referencing to be earning an annual Salary of 30 times the rent pcm. And if they require a Guarantor to support the application this person is expected to be willing to also provide all of their paperwork, to complete verification. They are required to either be a UK property owner or to be earning an annual salary of 40 times the rent pcm.
I don't know who or how some responsible authority came up with these figures or who they projected to be the ‘target market’ for these small basic dwellings. Still I would make an estimate that based on my knowledge of demographics that most single people in London who may seek a small studio to rent. Would possibly be earning closer to 20-25K than 30K. Will these laws being changed actually make any difference to the current practices? Because these figures are actually not realistic and don't make practical sense.
The problem that makes me still feel uncertain if these changes will be effective. How are these laws to be enforced as most ‘landlords’ are so used to playing the same monopoly game year after year. They are notoriously used to being in the position of having the ‘upperhand’ and are resistant to accepting any changes.
Although it has been outlined that there will be a need to register all Property Owners and Agents with a newly established Private Rental Sector Ombudsman. Unless major changes are also made to the civil legal process, law enforcement and other associated authorities are willing to be responsible and responsive to expedite remedial actions, how will these changes be effective? When there are issues and issues will arise, there needs to be much stricter law enforcement.
In my many years of experience with facing these issues the Legal system and all parties involved seem to be consistently biased and favourable to the rights of landlords. The main concern is usually with the collection of rent or any other monies due and not with the provision of the terms of the agreement. And no real concern or not enough for the rights of tenants to have their rights enforced and to ensure at least an adequate standard of the living conditions.
If and when there is an issue for example with disrepair, with anti-social tenants and many other common issues some which may be more complex than others. The Court's process is far too lengthy and it takes too long to get any action to remedy the situation through the legal channels.
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