​Charity and think tank report says landlords need to be encouraged

A charity has said that more tax breaks should be offered to landlords who sign up to a scheme to raise standards in the private rented housing sector.

In a new report, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), along with the Resolution Foundation think tank, said incentives for landlords would improve management and maintenance of properties.

Private landlords currently receive around £7 billion in tax allowances every year which cover maintenance and repairs – but there is no incentive to carry out work above the minimum standard.

The CIH represents housing professionals and the foundation campaigns for better living standards for low income families.

They both said a third of privately rented homes fail to meet acceptable modern standards.