WIREDGOV

RESPONDING to confirmation that the Government has u-turned on its decision to cap tenancy deposits at six weeks, by reducing this to five for most tenancies, David Smith, Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association said:

“In doing a complete about turn on this, it is unfortunately vulnerable and elderly tenants who will suffer, just as Ministers stated when they initially approved a six week cap. Those who will now find it more difficult to secure a home to rent will include those on benefits and those who have a pet as a companion.

“In May, Ministers argued that a cap of six weeks offered a balance between affordability benefits and financial risk to landlords and providing confidence for them to rent to higher risk tenants. They considered that a 5 weeks cap did not offer that protection. Nothing appears to have changed since so Ministers were right then and wrong now.”