The Government is to try to revive attempts to outlaw so-called revenge evictions.
After the defeat of Sarah Teather’s Tenancies (Reform) Bill a week ago, the Government is tabling an amendment to the Deregulation Bill.
Teather’s Private Member’s Bill had full government backing and yet was talked out by two backbench Tory MPs last Friday.
Now, however, there is to be an amendment to a different Bill, to be heard in January.
The amendment – whose wording we have not seen – appears to prevent the eviction of tenants who have complained about the state of their properties.
The latest move appears to be a cross between a U-turn, a dressing down of government whips – and an acknowledgement that Teather’s Bill was not quite right.
Housing minister Brandon Lewis said yesterday: “The Government backs measures to tackle retaliatory evictions.
“We are happy to work with Parliamentary colleagues to see how this legislation could be reintroduced, and ensure that the technical detail is given full and careful scrutiny to avoid any adverse effect on the overwhelming majority of responsible landlords in the private rented sector.”
The Residential Landlords Association criticised the amendment as “the wrong response”.
The RLA said the amendment would “prevent landlords from regaining possession of their property when tenants don’t pay rent or commit anti-social behaviour, and claim for spurious repairs”.
Commenting on the amendment, Alan Ward, chairman of the RLA, said: “The RLA shares concerns about the need to tackle retaliatory evictions and condemns any landlord who engages in such practices.
“Rather than pile yet more regulations on the sector, what is needed is better enforcement of existing powers which hard-pressed councils already find difficult to enforce.
“Tenants need better information about their rights and responsibilities. That would give many the confidence to complain about a minority of landlords who have no place in the private rented sector.”
I must be in a cocoon; why would a tenant living in substandard accommodation want to fight against eviction!
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Best of both worlds – Want to rent and pay no fees and cheap living accommodation but then once in expect it to be maintained like a 5 * hotel. The bigger problem in rented sector is problem tenants not problem landlords.
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They've been told "No", but don't like the answer and just keep nagging. It's like dealing with spoilt children. Maybe ministers get paid more if they "try again"?
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The NLA should be shouting about this also.
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I wrote to my MP regarding this and was advised that the letters opposed to this amendment were SIGNIFICANTLY FEWER than those in favour. Since MPs' votes, especially so close to an election, are influenced by their constituents, they will continue to support this measure, despite NO EVIDENCE that revenge evictions take place, unless they receive letters/emails to the contrary.
The answer ism if you don't agree with it, take a few minutes to email your MP and tell them.
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As I said in my OP, I must live in a cocoon. This is because I simply do not experience issues where our landlords have no interest in maintaining their investment. I also find it odd that a tenant would want to continue living in a substandard dwelling unless they have issues that prevent them moving, rent arrears, criminal convictions, or just maybe not all there, if you get my meaning; there is something to be said about living and working in a pleasant environment. Yes, I have a concern that the odd tenant will use this as an excuse, but as with our positive experiences with landlords, we have positive experiences with tenants; and I do not see any of our tenants would take this route. With this in mind, legislation to prevent revenge evictions will have no impact on me or our landlord clients and therefore do not feel the need to lobby against such legislation that might well benefit tenants that, for whatever reason, end up with a rogue landlord.
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The issue is a small minority of bad landlords and bringing down good landlords to there level. Because of a few many will suffer. It the same as some local councils bringing in licencing for landlords £600 per property. Or no fees for tenants, yes some agents charge too much and take the mickey but the majority charge a fair amount.
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Well said. As with most things, the minority ruin it for the majority. The trick I wish Government would learn is the one where they actually deal effectively with the minority.
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