COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT News Release (250) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 23 October 2008
Major
recommendations to improve the Private Rented Sector for both
tenants and landlords are being published today.
The independent review into the Private Rented Sector (PRS),
headed by Julie Rugg of the University of York, recommends a new
drive to improve the quality of the sector through:
* Introducing a light touch licensing system for landlords and
mandatory regulation for letting agencies, to increase protection
for both vulnerable tenants and good landlords.
* Introducing a new independent complaints and redress procedure
for consumers, to help end long drawn out disputes.
* Tax changes to encourage good landlords to grow, including
changes to stamp duty to encourage them to buy more properties.
* Looking at ways for the PRS to be more accommodating towards
households on lower incomes, including considering more support
for landlords prepared to house more vulnerable people.
* Local authorities taking steps to better understand the sector
and support good landlords whilst tackling poorly performing
landlords and promoting tenants' rights.
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett today welcomed the report and
said the Government agrees with the need to improve the sector for
both landlords and tenants and would carefully consider the
findings before setting out the next steps.
Mrs Beckett said:
"The private rented sector plays a really important role in
the housing market. Many of us have rented a house at same stage
of our lives and it's crucial that we have a high quality
sector that works well for both landlords and tenants, and
encourages mobility.
"Julie Rugg has provided a comprehensive and authoritative
report into the issues the private rented sector faces, as well as
a number of practical recommendations to consider.
"Whilst the majority of people are satisfied with their
experience of renting, there is still much more to do to protect
the most vulnerable tenants from the minority of unscrupulous landlords.
"At the same time, this report shows we need to look at how
we can raise standards and improve services across the board in
the private rented sector."
Julie Rugg said:
"We want to move to a new agenda for the PRS that looks to
establish policy that works with the strengths of the sector.
"We hope the review has signalled the Government's
intention to seek a better working relationship with the sector.
We now have a much stronger evidence base, and the opportunity to
frame more informed policy. It will be interesting to see what
happens next."
Notes to editors
1. Julie Rugg and David Rhodes were commissioned by the
Government in January 2008 to look at what problems tenants and
landlords face in the Private Rented Sector.
2. The review looked at a range of issues including the
professionalism of landlords, the quality of properties, and
problems in private renting. The Government will now carefully
consider the recommendations before deciding next steps.
3. Julie Rugg joined the Centre for Housing Policy at York
University, in January 1993. She has completed work including
qualitative research on young people's housing biographies,
housing benefit and its impact on claimant and landlord behaviour,
and aspects of the private rented sector.
4. David Rhodes ran the University of York Rent Index for a
number of years. The index included open market information for
England, Scotland and Wales, and has been published on a regular basis.
6. The Government has already introduced measures to help improve
the private rented sector including Tenancy Deposit Protection,
which has now safeguarded £1 billion of tenants' deposits.
7. University of York press office can be contacted on 01904 432 153.
Media Enquiries: 020 7944 3049
News Releases: http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsroom