THE previous Labour Government commissioned Professor Julie Rugg and David Rose, from the University of York’s housing policy unit, to report on the state of the UK’s residential lettings market.

The subsequent Rugg Report made a number of recommendations, including mandatory regulation of letting agents, as well as a national register of private landlords.

Following the 2010 General Election, the report was kicked into the long grass, but now Richard Globe, of the Wirral-based Private Sector Landlord Business Support Group, is urging housing minister Grant Shapps to give it serious consideration.

Globe says regulation of the sector would offer greater protection for both landlords and tenants.

He said it would also stop reputable letting agents being tarnished by the activities of rogue operators.

He added that too many “accidental landlords” enter the sector without any appreciation of what is required.

Responsibilities of landlords include supplying energy performance and gas safety certificates, as well as many more.

Globe, who offers a free advice service to landlords, said: “Most landlords are well-intentioned and deliver a good service, but some simply do not view themselves as landlords and therefore fail to obtain sufficient knowledge.”

He added that some of the worst landlords exploited the vulnerable and allowed anti-social behaviour to ruin neighbourhoods.

He is also concerned about rogue tenants who cause damage and don’t pay their rents, and he urged landlords in such a situation to act quickly.

He said: “The longer the problem is not dealt with, the more stressful it becomes. At the first sign of trouble, landlords should issue a four-week notice to quit. Landlords can call me for advice. I have many years of experience.”

CALL the group on 0151 639 6253, from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, or email globe.richard22@gmail.com