Shelter’s new chief executive Sarah Elliott has indicated the housing charity will adopt a more collaborative stance with landlords as it shifts focus from campaigning to implementing recent renters’ rights reforms.
The approach marks a departure from her predecessor, Baroness Neate, who frequently criticised the private rented sector and accused landlords of “cutting corners” while stating the government was “too cowardly to stand up to a small minority of landlord MPs”.
New phase of delivery
Elliott stated she has joined the organisation at a significant juncture following recent legislative changes. “I’ve come in at a really exciting time, with these big wins in the sector. So I feel the real responsibility now is how we bank those and build on them,” she said.
The chief executive outlined plans for Shelter to work directly with landlords as reforms are implemented, particularly around enforcement of renters’ rights in a context where local authorities face resource constraints. “How do we work as a partner in that system to make these things a reality?” she asked.
Convening role
Elliott described plans for the charity to adopt a more “convening” role, stating: “I think we’re very pragmatic, and I think our role will need to evolve.”
According to Inside Housing, Elliott has already held a meeting with the chief executive of a private landlord association to discuss the impact of upcoming changes to Section 21 notices.
However, she emphasised that the charity would maintain firm boundaries regarding property standards. “Where there are rogue landlords who are not doing the right thing, we clearly will not be on their side,” Elliott said. “But I do think we’re going to have to work as a collective if we’re going to improve the system and end homelessness.”
Elliott added that Shelter would continue its campaigning function, describing it as “in our DNA” and stating the organisation “cannot be complacent”.
The strategic shift comes as the private rented sector prepares for implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and introduce new regulations for landlords.
