The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed the appointment of Steve Reed as the UK’s new housing secretary.
Reed was posted to the role in replacement of Angela Rayner who, having also stepped down as deputy prime minister, resigned last week following the admission that she failed to pay the correct stamp duty on a second property she owned.
Her replacement Reed had previously been secretary for environment, food and rural affairs since September 2024.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Reed said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government by [Sir Keir Starmer].
“Together, we will get Britain building and create a future where everyone has access to affordable, safe homes and thriving communities.”
He has been welcomed to the role with NRLA CEO Ben Beadle highlighting that the Renters Rights Bill will soon be completing its parliamentary journey.
“At a time of substantial change for the rental market, we look forward to working constructively with him,” said Ben.
“Top of the agenda will need to be ensuring the smooth implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
“Alongside this there is a desperate need to support long term investment in new decent quality homes to rent and ensure the private rented sector operates on the basis of trust and confidence between landlords and tenants.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, commented: “We welcome Steve Reed as he steps into the role of Housing Secretary.
"With this change in positions coming at a time when significant challenges are ahead for the property sector as the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill, new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and planning reforms are due to come into play, there is a pressing need to ensure that this does not hinder the current understanding and shaping of ongoing legislation and that the UK Government looks to effectively remedy the nation’s housing crisis as an urgent priority.
"We look forward to working with Steve to ensure that future policies are pro-growth and work in practice, and hope he fully engages with the sector, as professionally regulated property agents can support these reforms."
