VOLA's Views
Consideration for National Insurance on Rental income
Statement from VOLA – The Voice of Landlords Association
As the representative body for landlord associations, representing around 53,000 landlords across the United Kingdom, VOLA expresses its unequivocal opposition to the Chancellor’s reported consideration to extend National Insurance contributions to rental income.
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Rental income is already subject to one of the most punitive tax regimes in the UK. Landlords currently face income tax on rental earnings, capital gains tax on property sales, increased stamp duty on purchases, and restrictions on mortgage interest relief. The proposed expansion of National Insurance, (typically levied at 8% on employee earnings) to include rental income, which is presently exempt, would represent a significant and disproportionate financial burden on landlords.
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This move, reportedly aimed at addressing a £40 billion fiscal shortfall, could raise £2/3 billion annually. However, it risks triggering unintended consequences including potentially increased rents for tenants, reduced investment in the private rental sector, and a further decline in the availability of affordable private rented housing. Estate agents and housing experts have already warned that such speculation is dampening market confidence and slowing housing activity.
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VOLA stands firmly in support of the many responsible and committed landlords who provide safe, secure, and essential housing to millions of private renters across Britain. Penalising these providers with yet more taxation undermines their role in alleviating the UK’s housing crisis and discourages future investment in rental properties.
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We urge the Chancellor to abandon this option entirely and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that fiscal policy does not jeopardise housing stability or punish those who contribute positively to the rental market.
Call for the new Secretary of State for housing to pause and consider the implications of the RRB
Statement from VOLA – The Voice of Landlords Association
As the representative body for landlord associations across the UK, VOLA urges the government to pause and reassess the final stages of the Renters’ Rights Bill. While we support the principle of strengthening tenant protections, the current trajectory of the bill risks destabilising the Private Rented Sector (PRS) and exacerbating the housing crisis.
Key Concerns
1. Shrinking PRS Supply and Landlord Exodus
Over 250,000 rental properties have exited the PRS since 2017. Regulatory uncertainty and financial pressures are accelerating this trend. According to Propertymark, 30% of landlords plan to reduce their portfolios or leave the sector entirely if the bill passes in its current form.
2. Rent Inflation Driven by Supply Constraints
Private rents rose by 6.4% in the 12 months to July 2025—the highest annual increase on record. This is not driven by profiteering, but by a mismatch between supply and demand, increased taxation, and policy uncertainty. The bill introduces further unknowns that could worsen affordability.
3. Tenant Impact and Risk of Homelessness
Reduced PRS capacity is already affecting vulnerable tenants. Temporary accommodation figures reached 123,000 households in mid-2024, costing local authorities £2.1 billion annually. Without sufficient PRS stock, tenant security may paradoxically decline.
4. Student and Commercial Tenancies at Risk
Ambiguities in the bill regarding student lets and commercial leaseholders who sublet residential units could remove thousands of homes from the market—particularly in university towns and high street locations.
5. Enforcement Overreach and Erosion of Trust
Provisions allowing local authorities to enter PRS properties without prior notice risk alienating responsible landlords and discouraging investment.
Our Recommendations
We respectfully call on the Secretary of State to:
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Pause the legislative process for a full impact assessment and stakeholder consultation.
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Reconsider key provisions, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies and the handling of Section 21.
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Introduce transitional measures to prevent further destabilisation.
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Establish a cross-sector working group to develop a balanced framework that protects tenants without penalising landlords.
The PRS accommodates over 4.6 million households and is a vital pillar of the UK’s housing ecosystem. A fair and functional PRS benefits tenants, landlords, and communities alike. We urge the government to act decisively to avoid unintended consequences and ensure the bill delivers on its promises without undermining housing supply.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your team to discuss these concerns further.
Yours sincerely,
VOLA – Voice of Landlords Associations
VOLA's response to the Green Party voting to 'Abolish' Landlords
VOLA Statement on Green Party Proposal to Abolish Landlords
The Voice of Landlords Associations (VOLA) expresses deep concern and strong opposition to the Green Party’s recent announcement proposing the abolition of landlords in the UK.
This policy, if pursued, would have far-reaching and devastating consequences—not only for landlords, but for millions of tenants who rely on the private rental sector for safe, flexible, and accessible housing. The proposal raises urgent questions: Where will these tenants live? What alternative housing solutions does the Green Party propose? How will the transition be managed without causing mass displacement and instability?
The private rental sector currently houses over 4 million households. Abolishing landlords without a clear, viable replacement plan risks creating a housing crisis of unprecedented scale. VOLA urges the Green Party to clarify how they intend to house these individuals and families, and whether they have considered the logistical, financial, and social implications of such a move.
Furthermore, this policy could have a catastrophic impact on the housing market. Many homeowners—particularly first-time buyers—have worked tirelessly to get on the property ladder. If property values collapse due to sudden market disruption, thousands could face negative equity, financial hardship, and loss of security.
VOLA believes this proposal is reckless and ill-considered. It disregards the contributions of responsible landlords who provide essential housing, maintain properties, and support communities. We call on the Green Party to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including landlords, tenants, housing experts, and local authorities, to develop policies that improve housing outcomes without destabilising the market.
We remain committed to advocating for fair, balanced, and sustainable housing policies that protect both tenants and property owners.