Renters' Rights

I have received several emails about Government support for private renters. I wholeheartedly recognise the difficulties that many renters face in dealing with landlords and letting agents.  

I would like to reassure you that action is being taken to help households in the private rented sector. In 2018, a national database of rogue landlords was brought in, with landlords convicted of a range of criminal offences to be included so that councils can keep a closer eye on those with a poor track record. Furthermore, landlords convicted of offences may also be given banning orders preventing them from leasing accommodation for a period of time, ranging from 12 months to life. 

Since 2019, almost £7 million in grant funding has been awarded to local authorities to boost their enforcement work in tackling rogue landlords, fostering innovative approaches and sharing best practice to tackle the minority of landlords who deliberately flout the law.      

The Tenant Fees Act 2019, reduces costs at the outset for tenants and improves transparency in the private rented sector. The Act abolished letting agent fees for renters and caps tenancy deposits at five weeks’ rent, saving tenants between £25 and £70 per year.       

The above being said, I appreciate that the delay to the Renting White Paper is causing concern. As I understand it, the White Paper will balance supporting the most vulnerable renters while ensuring that landlords have access and can exercise their right to justice. Ministers previously informed that it will consult on the introduction of a legally binding Decent Homes Standard to set minimum standards for rented homes. The merits of a national landlord register will also be explored, alongside tough action against rogue landlords.  

The delay in publication is therefore not ideal, and I understand that such a significant delay is unacceptable and very frustrating. I have therefore written to my colleagues at the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to highlight my constituents’ concern over the White Paper and to ask for an update. Once I receive a response I will of course update constituents, and in the meantime will follow any developments extremely closely.