MPs have called for the Government’s rental reforms to go even further.
A report from the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee, released at the end of last week, says that while changes to renters’ rights are welcome, further steps are needed to protect vulnerable tenants.
The committee has ruled out rent controls but warns that with many renters already struggling to afford their rent, retaliatory rent increases could act as a form of economic eviction.
The government’s immediate priority must be to ensure the protections that are in place against above-market rent increases through the First Tier Tribunal are functioning effectively, MPs said.
RENTAL REFORM RECOMMENDATIONS
The report also recommends that the Government rolls out Awaab’s Law – applicable in social housing – to the private rented sector.
Other recommendations include calls for the Government to conduct and publish a full assessment of the resources and powers currently available to local authorities to regulate and enforce standards in the private rented sector.
On the government’s new minimum energy efficiency standard, MPs expressed concern that its effectiveness could be undermined if local authorities are not adequately resourced to enforce it.
The report also calls for the government to be more ambitious in its plans for the Private Rented Sector Database so it can act as a tool to drive up standards and give tenants comprehensive information on the fitness of landlords, the quality of homes, and enable the reporting of concerns.
MPs also want the Government to make it easier for local authorities to setup selective licensing schemes
The report also suggests that there should be incentives to help landlords upgrade their homes to meet the new Decent Homes Standard before 2035 as well as tougher deterrents if they fail to comply.
EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
Florence Eshalomi, chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, says: “The Government’s reforms to renters’ rights are welcome and can make an important contribution to improving housing conditions for tenants, helping people to live in safe and secure homes where they are treated fairly by their landlords.
“However, more needs to be done to ensure that the new tenants’ rights are enforceable and that landlords play by the rules. Stronger and more proactive regulation and enforcement of standards by local authorities is needed to improve conditions for tenants.
“The government needs to play its part by ensuring councils have the resources to do this job effectively and that the upcoming Private Rented Sector Database gives tenants the tools they need to check that their home is suitable and safe.”
