Left winger criticises public spending on unregulated slum landlords

Left winger criticises public spending on unregulated slum landlords

Ben Cooper, head of the Fabian Society housing group, has condemned the large public expenditure on private landlords providing poor-quality emergency temporary accommodation. His comments highlight concerns over a largely unregulated sector housing vulnerable groups.

Ben Cooper, writing on Labour List, criticised what he describes as “slum landlordism” within the private rental sector. He focused on landlords operating properties used as emergency temporary accommodation, often for those at risk of homelessness, including destitute asylum seekers, prison leavers, older people with support needs, and women at risk of domestic violence. These properties frequently fall outside the scope of mainstream private rental regulations.

Cooper emphasised the scale of government spending involved, noting that around £2.8 billion is spent annually on temporary accommodation, with a further £2.7 billion allocated to asylum accommodation. Additional hundreds of millions are spent on housing within supported accommodation exempt from the housing benefit cap. He argued that this has created a lucrative market for landlords who profit substantially from poor-quality homes, often acting as intermediaries leasing properties from other landlords.

Concerns over regulation and tenant impact

According to Cooper, the sector has seen very little official scrutiny or regulation despite the significant public funds involved. He criticised the state for effectively guaranteeing rent payments without securing good outcomes for tenants or value for taxpayers. Cooper described a “new generation of slum landlords” exploiting housing needs, likening them to their Victorian and post-war counterparts but with taxpayer money underwriting their profits.

He argued that these landlords benefit from what he calls a “magic money tree,” making substantial profits while providing homes that fall into disrepair and negatively affect tenants who have no alternative housing options. Cooper also highlighted the wider community impact, suggesting that concentrations of poor-quality housing contribute to neighbourhood decline and a broader sense of social breakdown, funded by public money.

The full piece by Cooper is available on Labour List at https://labourlist.org/2026/09/ben-cooper-end-the-slum-landlord-subsidy/.

Context of emergency accommodation and regulatory gaps

The emergency temporary accommodation sector has expanded in recent years due to the housing crisis and rising homelessness. Local authorities and government departments rely on private landlords to provide housing for vulnerable groups under various contracts and schemes. However, many of these arrangements operate outside the usual regulatory frameworks that govern standard tenancies in the private rented sector.

This exemption means that many of the usual tenant protections, property standards, and safety regulations may not apply or be enforced as rigorously. The sector’s complexity is increased by the involvement of multiple intermediaries, including housing providers and management companies, which can obscure accountability and oversight.

Public spending on this accommodation is substantial and rising, but there is ongoing debate about the quality of housing provided and the efficiency of the funding. Critics argue that the lack of regulation and oversight enables some landlords to prioritise profit over tenant welfare and property maintenance.

Practical implications for landlords and agents

For landlords operating within or considering entering the emergency accommodation market, Cooper’s critique signals increased scrutiny and potential future regulatory changes. The sector’s unregulated status may not be sustainable amid growing public and political pressure to improve standards and accountability.

Letting agents working with emergency accommodation providers should be aware that regulatory reforms could impose new compliance requirements, including property standards, tenant protections, and transparency in rent arrangements. Maintaining thorough records of property condition, tenant communications, and compliance with any applicable standards will be increasingly important.

Landlords should also consider the reputational risks associated with this sector, given the negative public discourse around “slum landlords.” Proactively ensuring properties meet high standards and engaging constructively with tenants can mitigate some risks and demonstrate responsible management.

Uncertainties and future developments

While Cooper’s article highlights significant concerns, it remains unclear what specific regulatory changes might follow. The government has not announced new measures directly targeting this segment of the private rental sector, but the scale of public spending and political attention suggests reforms are possible.

Questions remain about how regulation could be extended to emergency accommodation providers without disrupting the supply of urgently needed housing. Balancing tenant protections, property quality, and the operational realities of emergency housing contracts will be complex.

Landlords and agents should monitor developments closely, including any consultations or policy proposals from the Home Office, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, or local authorities. Staying informed will be essential to adapt to any new legal or compliance obligations.

What landlords should consider now

Landlords involved in emergency accommodation should review their current property standards and management practices to ensure they meet or exceed existing legal requirements. Documenting repairs, safety checks, and tenant interactions is advisable to demonstrate compliance and good practice.

Engaging with local authorities and housing providers transparently can help anticipate and respond to any forthcoming regulatory changes. Landlords should also assess the financial viability of their arrangements, considering the potential for increased costs linked to improved standards or regulatory enforcement.

Letting agents should support landlords by providing up-to-date compliance advice and helping maintain comprehensive records. They should also prepare for potential shifts in the regulatory environment that could affect tenancy agreements, rent collection, and property management protocols.

Supporting landlords with compliance and management

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical information relevant to managing properties used for emergency accommodation. Through TLA membership, landlords and agents can access guidance on health and safety standards, tenancy law updates, and record-keeping best practices.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing. ORBIT is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise property records, manage rental documents, and track compliance activities. Features relevant to emergency accommodation management include recording repairs, inspections, and communications with tenants and housing providers.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with tools to better manage their portfolios amid evolving regulatory pressures. While ORBIT is still in development, it offers a promising way to consolidate compliance information and prepare for future changes in the sector.

Landlords should review their current practices, maintain clear evidence of compliance, and stay informed on regulatory developments to reduce risks and improve tenant outcomes in this challenging segment of the private rental market.

Sources: Landlord Today, Labour List