In this in-depth private rented sector legislation special, Eddie and Paul are joined by David Smith, head of property litigation at JMW Solicitors. The discussion kicks off with the recent landmark Rakusen v Jepsen rent repayment order case, where David represented the NRLA and which, he explains, highlights how the interpretation of legislation changes over time. In the light of the Supreme Court case and with an increasing number of ‘property gurus’ damaging the reputation of the sector, should the Government be looking to reform rent to rent rules as part of the Renters’ Reform Bill?

Property condition is already a major focus for reform through the proposed application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, but will the tragic death of Awaab Ishak be a game changer? And how will regulatory change be matched by enforcement? With so many legislative changes to contend with, is it time for landlords to take on a professional to manage their property, or should landlord education be compulsory, as it now is in Wales? What might the proposed new property portal for landlords in England look like – the ‘light touch’ version adopted by Northern Ireland, or the ‘harder touch’ Welsh approach? What are David’s concerns about the Renters’ Reform Bill from a lawyer’s perspective?

They may not have all the answers, but this podcast is jam-packed with expert insights and challenge around the often-overlooked details of private rented sector legislation.