The Department for Communities and Local Government has set up a working group to look at what can be done to protect landlords and tenants in the rental market.
Gavin recently contacted the Minister for Housing, Kris Hopkins MP, about a number of his constituents’ concerns over the lack of rights possessed by landlords in the private sector.
In his response, Mr. Hopkins MP said: “We estimate that less than 5% of tenancies that terminate in a given year end up in the courts. Nevertheless, we recognise that this is an issue of increasing concern to landlords. That is why my Department has set up a working group to look at what can be done to protect landlords and tenants alike, and ensure a fair eviction process in the private rented sector.
“The working group is made up of organisations representing landlords, tenants, letting agents and other property professionals. While it is too early to comment on the working group’s findings, I look forward to receiving its recommendations in due course.”
Over the past few years, there has been widespread criticism of the current system, which has left some landlords struggling to evict tenants who have been withholding rental payments.
Often, even after pursuing their case in the courts, landlords will never recover the rent arrears or the total cost of damages incurred.
Gavin said: “I am delighted that the Government is taking action to address this issue. It is completely unfair that landlords can lose out on months of rent, with little means of recourse.
“For some landlords, this could result in severe financial difficulties of their own. We need to ensure that there is adequate provision in the law to protect and enforce both the rights of both landlords and tenants in the private rented sector.”