Landlords Must be Heard in the Run Up to the General Election

SOUTH TOLWORTH, England, April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

With the General Election just weeks away politicians are beginning to publish their promises should they secure power after May 7^th. A prominent talking point has been the current housing crisis and how each party plans on improving living conditions for millions of people across the country, however many are missing out on a crucial voice.

PropertyQuoteDirect, a leading landlord insurance provider, has worked with landlords for 50 years and in a recent article has discussed the issues facing landlords. One of the biggest issues is that the negative stereotypes surrounding landlords are making it difficult for them to have their opinions heard.

In the run up to the General Election it is essential that landlords become more vocal as they have valuable insight into the private rental sector. Their knowledge and expertise could not only help improve living standards for thousands of people living in private rental accommodation but also those who are taken advantage of by rogue landlords.

Landlords need to try and dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding them in order to promote communication between themselves, their tenants and their local MPs. On PropertyQuoteDirect's website there is a list of some of the most common negative beliefs surrounding landlords and how each one can be addressed.

One example is the belief that landlords have complete control over rent prices, however the fact of the matter is that economic circumstances play a pivotal role. By setting rent payments too low landlords could find themselves struggling to afford their mortgage repayments or maintenance - thus leading to fewer properties on the market.

During a time where an increasing number of people are relying on the private rental market the government should be doing more to encourage landlords to expand their businesses. Recently, the Residential Landlords Association created a General Election Manifesto in which they outlined methods to make private rented housing the "first choice" for those looking for a new home.

Whether you choose to join a landlord association, contact your local MP or even start your own campaign, as a landlord it is of the utmost importance that your opinion is heard. Landlords are a prominent and powerful group of individuals in the UK, which is why they should assist the government when it comes to protecting the future of the private rental sector.

About PropertyQuoteDirect 

PropertyQuoteDirect helps customers find a range of landlord insurance products including rent guarantee and unoccupied property insurance. PropertyQuoteDirect is part of the Bedford Insurance Group, who this year is celebrating their 50^th anniversary, showing their dedication to customer service and the insurance sector as a whole.