WGPlus (Archive)
But what about ‘bad’ tenants? |
Secretary of State for Communities proposes the introduction of a minimum 3-year tenancy term, with a 6-month break clause, to help renters put down roots, & give landlords longer term financial security. According to government data, people stay in their rented homes for an average of nearly 4 years. But despite this, 81% of rental contracts are assured shorthold tenancies with a minimum fixed term of just 6 or 12 months. This can lead to tenants feeling insecure, unable to challenge poor property standards for fear of tenancies being terminated, and unable to plan for their future or contribute to their wider community. Under the proposed longer term agreement, tenants would be able to leave before the end of the minimum term, but would have greater protection if they wanted to stay in a property for an extended period of time. As part of its continuing commitment to give more security to renters, an 8-week consultation on the plan has been published, specifically looking at overcoming the barriers to landlords offering longer tenancies. The government understands that some landlords worry about the time it can take to gain possession of their property in the courts. A call for evidence will be published this autumn to better understand the experience of users of the courts and tribunal services in property cases, including considering the case for a specialist Housing Court. |
Researched Links: |
MHCLG: Longer tenancy plans to give renters more security Residential Landlords Association (RLA): Landlords welcome tax incentives for longer tenancies New Future Renting conference announced Landlords welcome tax incentives for longer tenancies Research Finds Tax Changes Leading to Private Renting Sell-off Tenant choice damaged as supply of rental homes falls Why not make energy improvements tax deductible? Welcome Home: RLA reveals new identity Inflation figures show rent controls would leave tenants worse off |