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Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 November 2014 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 27 November 2014. A substantive answer was provided by Brandon Lewis (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 November 2014 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Private Rented Housing: Evictions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to protect renters in the private rented sector from being evicted in retaliation for making complaints to landlords about their properties.

Answer

We have given our backing in principle to my hon. Friend, the Member for Brent Central's (Sarah Teather) Tenancies (Reform) Bill, which seeks to protect tenants from the small minority of rogue landlords who, rather than meet their legal duty to keep their properties at a reasonable standard and remove health and safety hazards, instead evict tenants simply for asking for essential repairs to be made.

But we need to ensure that the Bill does not impose unfair burdens on the whole sector, as the overwhelming majority of landlords are responsible. The Bill should be balanced, such that tenants cannot make vexatious complaints, and that it does not bring in excessive red tape.

The Bill will have its 2nd reading on 28 November, and this will give the House an opportunity to debate its merits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
215759
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Complaints Evictions Private rented housing Repairs and maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk