18th
Oct 2015
A Tory MP has been savaged by the press following his comments on the new proposed bill “Fitness for Human Habitation” that demands from private landlords that their properties should be ‘fit for human habitation’, as he says it is unnecessary.
The MP for Shipley, Philip Davies, opposed Labour’s Karen Bucks when she presented her proposed Homes Bill – Fitness for Human Habitation, earlier this month in Parliament.
Interestingly enough if the bill is supported and passed; it will revive an 1885 law which has become obsolete because of over sixty years of inflationary rates.
A template has been in place since 1957 where tenants have the right to a home that is considered fit for habitation, only if the rent is less than £52 per year or £80 in London.
MP Karen Buck informed the House of Commons, that under current legislation landlords are required to carry out maintenance on items or where the property has fallen into disrepair. She pointed out that landlords have no legal duty on other issues such as condensation, damp or mould.
Philip Davies, who is also a landlord, said the proposed Homes Bill would place “a huge burden on landlords”.
He spoke at the debate and stated: “My contention would be … I don’t think this particular bill is necessary to achieve what I would like to see,
“It’s as if landlords have nothing else to do but wade through legislation generated by this House.
“The overwhelming majority of landlords, and I will put myself in this category, want to do the right thing and wouldn’t ever dream of renting out a property that isn’t in a fit state to be rented out and want to comply with every regulation that’s introduced.”
Hayley Cowburn, Marketing Manager of PIMS says: “We regularly speak to our members and ask them for feedback on the new sections and services that we update on the site each month.
“At the same time we ask them about any new issues that are affecting our members and always at the top is the ever continuing eviction problem.
“The one other issue that is predominant is the increase of legislation put upon them because of the media’s perception of private landlords. Right to Rent could breach human rights’ law and yet the government is still going ahead.”
Richard Merrick of PIMS, added: “Members join because they feel they have a responsibility to understand the many issues surrounding this sector and to act accordingly. Once again more and more red tape is being placed on the large majority of law and standards supportive landlords because of the very minor numbers of the cowboys.
“When was the last time anyone read an article about a great tenant and landlord relationship that was plastered across the press?”
Image Source: KarenBuck.org.uk
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