17^th Jan 2018

Sajid Javid the Secretary of State for Housing has just announced that the government will be introducing new legislation to make sure that rental properties are 'fit for purpose' .Tenants will be given powers to support them against 'rogue ' agents and landlords.

The new legislation will be enforced by local authorities when tenants approach them with grievances against their agents or landlords which are for both private and social housing sectors.

The bill will make sure that landlords must confirm that their property is safe and fit for renting out before the start of a new tenancy and throughout the agreement period. If any landlord fails to comply then the tenant(s) are well within their legal right to take them to court for breach of contract, as the property is unsafe for anyone to live in.

The new bill follows on from the recently introduced powers given to authorities to stamp out 'rogue' practises and any landlords found to be renting out unfit properties can face fines of up to £30,000.

From this April councils will be able to issue banning orders against rogue landlords from being able to operate within the private rented sector.

The government is supporting Labour's MP Karen Buck proposed measures to further protect tenant safety in her Private Members Bill. This will cover both private and social renting tenants and gives them the power to take their landlords to court if their accommodation is sub standard.

Sajid Javid said: ‘Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. Councils already have wide-ranging powers to crack down on the minority of landlords who rent out unsafe and substandard accommodation. However, public safety is paramount and I am determined to do everything possible to protect tenants. That is why government will support new legislation that requires all landlords to ensure properties are safe and give tenants the right to take legal action if landlords fail in their duties.’

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