Landlords are calling on the government to include them in cladding remediation plans, but may still be left out in the cold.
Last month, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced that live-in leaseholders and subletters would not have to pay to remove flammable cladding from the high-rise buildings they live in.
But politicians made no such commitment to landlords, despite the potentially paralysing costs involved. Following the announcement, Housing Secretary Michael Gove clarified that owner-occupiers were the priority, and that the government would explore whether or not to bail out buy-to-let investors later.
If help doesn’t arrive, landlords could be left to foot enormous bills for cladding removal, potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds. Remediation works could also be held up for entire high-rise buildings if landlords can’t pay, leaving all occupants at risk – as well as paying ongoing costs for waking watches and increased insurance premiums.
The National Residential Landlords Association has called on the government to extend cladding help to landlords. To date, though, politicians haven’t announced any change in their policy, leaving buy-to-let investors facing a nervous wait.
Other housebuilding headlines
Homes England details new ‘levelling up’ housing funds – Housebuilding Today
Council launches building firm to construct ‘affordable rent’ units – Landlord Today
New home registrations see 25% rise in 2021 – Property Reporter
