Landlords should do their homework before voting in the local elections next week and take the chance to quiz candidates on issues affecting the PRS, advises Leaders Romans Group (LRG).

It points to a number of pressing local issues which can be determined by these elections, such as proposed changes to short term lets and selective licensing.

The agency suggests questioning what the impact any scheme has had on landlords and how the funds raised by selective licensing have been used.

Another hot topic on a local level is the re-banding of HMOs for valuation purposes and landlords should look at whether their would-be councillor is in favour of introducing individual council tax bandings per room.

Their view on issues in the Renters'� Reform Bill is worth considering, suggests LRG, and whether they have expressed any support for landlords, rather than blindly taking the tenant'�s side in any dispute.

'How do they intend to work with landlords directly to ensure the right amount and type of homes are available in the PRS?'� adds Allison Thompson (pictured), national lettings managing director.

Doorstepping

She tells LandlordZONE that if a candidate turns up on their doorstep, landlords could use the opportunity to lobby for much-needed change in support of the private rented sector '� proper consideration of emerging legislation and initiatives to mitigate its potential impact.

'A lessening of the existing - and future - rules and regulations and fiscal change, perhaps in relation to stamp duty, Capital Gains Tax or mortgage interest relief would go some way to improving prospects for the private rented sector,'� says Thompson.