It would appear whoever wrote your Comment column (The Argus, August 12) is unaware the 2004 Housing Act became law in April 2006.

From that date, all shared houses have become Houses in Multiple Occupation which, if they meet certain criteria, have to be licensed.

Regulations are therefore already in force to ensure properties are up to decent standards.

In Brighton and Hove, we are all aware of the price of houses. Any landlord purchasing for letting to students is unlikely to receive a gross return on capital invested of more that four to five per cent.

In addition, landlords have to carry out repairs, manage and insure the property.

They are unlikely, therefore, to receive a net return in excess of two to three per cent.

Your article refers to "sky-high rents". As a landlord, I refer you to sky-high property prices.

From my own experience, there are many student houses available. Students seeking accommodation should ensure they refer to the university lists, go to good agents and expect to pay the going rate for somewhere in good condition, then look after it to ensure it is returned to the landlord in the same state.

Students should not take any property in poor repair.

If they did not, the very small minority of landlords who let such places would be forced to either sell or repair before being able to let.

It is not right of The Argus to continually blame private landlords for the high cost of housing in this city.

The policies of Brighton and Hove City Council planning department do much to cause problems for people wishing to invest in the building of accommodation.

  • Mike Stimpson, Member, Southern Private Landlords Association, Milner Road, Brighton