Helping Tenants Get A Better Deal
Posted by Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, at 12:53, Wed 6 November 2013:
The saying goes that a man's home is his castle, but many renting properties often have a different story to tell.
Whilst we have some superb, responsible landlords, I've also heard stories of rogue or altogether absent landlords in Thanet and believe that our families need more rights and better protections against these unscrupulous people.
That's why I am very pleased that something is being done to redress the balance and give our 9 million private tenants more powers whilst driving up the standards of accommodation.
The Government's new proposals will tackle rogue landlords and support those renting in asking for longer tenancies - something that is vital to helping give families stability and security. It's unfair that people renting should live almost constantly in fear of an astronomical rent increase or eviction notice. It's not good for mums and dads who already have their share of worries. Nor is it fair on children who might have to change schools and make new friends several times over because their family has been forced to move house. Longer tenancies will save families money that they might have otherwise had to spend moving house or just renewing their rental contract.
We also want to root out those cowboy landlords providing sub-standard accommodation and will give tenants the know-how so that action can be taken if they are getting a poor deal.
Additionally, letting agents will be made to sign up to a redress scheme to ensure that complaints about hidden fees or poor service are properly investigated and that where there is found to be an issue, compensation is provided.
The private rental sector is an important part of our housing mix and as such, it's important that all tenants are given the rights and information that they need should there be a problem.
Whether you own or rent your home, there should be a sense of security, stability and of course safety. These new measures are intended to ensure that this is always the case, so that every house really can be someone's castle.
- Laura's View. Thanet Extra. 30th October 2013.
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