According to research by Landbay, almost half (48%) of landlords are unsure as to whether the PRS Ombudsman is a good idea.
As part of the Renters Reform Bill, the government is proposing to create a PRS Ombudsman, which all landlords will be legally required to join.
The aim is to ensure disputes between private renters and landlords are settled impartially, quickly, at a low cost, and without going to court.
Almost half of landlords surveyed were unsure whether the Ombudsman was a good idea and would like more information about it.
Meanwhile, 42% agreed the service was a good idea and 10% were against it.
Those landlords who were supportive of an Ombudsman scheme were keen to point out that it must be impartial and would welcome timely resolution of disputes rather than lengthy court cases.
Some views against it included that it would always side with the tenant and was simply a money-making scheme.
Responses from those who were unsure included questioning whether an Ombudsman would speed up resolving disputes and if it did, it would be a positive change.
But respondents noted that government-run departments are very slow and adding another layer could be more disruptive.
The Renters Reform Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons in May but is not expected to pass into law until 2024, or even 2025.
Paul Brett, MD of intermediaries at Landbay (pictured above), commented: “Our survey found uncertainty around the idea of a PRS Ombudsman.
“On the positive side, it would be good if disputes could be quickly resolved without having to go to court, but there is some scepticism as to how quick this would be.
“It appears that more information is needed before such as scheme is created.”
