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Renters Reform Bill progress welcomed
15/02/2023
“It is a basic right for tenants to feel safe in their own homes”
Cherwell District Council has welcomed progress in the Renters Reform Bill following the latest House of Commons Committee report. The council says it supports the report which provides recommendations to improve the private rented sector.
Recommendations include a requirement for landlords to provide greater security for tenants by increasing the period of time they have to wait before selling or reletting their property. The proposed legislation would also introduce a legally binding decent homes standard and an ombudsman for all private rented sector landlords.
The report calls on Government to consult with local authorities to ensure that the civil penalties regime is fit for purpose, enabling local authorities to take action through enforcement when necessary and to drive out irresponsible landlords.
Councillor Nicholas Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “For residents who rely on the private rental sector, especially those on lower income, poor quality homes makes life much harder. The current cost of living crisis means that supporting our most vulnerable residents has never been more important.
“It is a basic right for tenants to feel safe in their own homes and be confident in the standard of housing they should receive, regardless of tenure. Whilst the majority of landlords provide decent, well maintained homes, there are a minority few that take advantage and offer poor quality and dangerous accommodation. This is why we support and would welcome any conversation with the Government around reforms to allow us more power to better intervene and escalate issues with landlords where necessary.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam