Landlord Licenses - What Next a Landlording Test?

Landlords could be expected to have a license if the government follows the recommendations of a recently published report by Julie Rugg and David Rhodes of the University of York, commissioned by the government in January 2008.

The report suggests that all private residential landlords should acquire a 'landlord license' before renting to tenants.

This government loves regulations, statistics ( usually incorrect - see yesterdays violent creme stats ) and Id cards.

We've already suffered the implementation of the tenancy deposit scheme, the pointless Energy Performance Certificates ( even an EPC inspector said to me ' well to you there just another piece of paper ') and now we need a license.

What will be the next great idea?

How about a 'landlord test'?

"Can you just show me how you would place an advert in the local paper. Very good. Could you now proceed to the sink and show me how you would look to unblock the plug hole. Very good! Now can you explain to me how you would deal with a tenant who plays his guitar too loud and annoys the other tenants. Very good!"

" Well you'll be glad to hear that you've past. Can you just make sure you where this 'Provisional landlord' sign on your back for the next twelve months whenever you are dealing with a tenant."

"And repeat after me. I swear my allegiance to Private Sector Renting, and will uphold the honour of landlords at all times, I will treat all tenants in a professional manner."