The government has provided councils across the country with guidance on how to better protect tenants and reform the private rented sector.
The publication of two new online guidance documents today (9 April), one for local authority enforcement practitioners and another for tenants and landlords, is the latest step in the government cracking down on the small minority of criminal landlords who exploit tenants for their own gain.
The new support includes a digital enforcement package with online learning modules.
Housing minister Heather Wheeler said: “This package of support for those working on the frontline of the private rented sector will ensure they are fully equipped to make use of any new powers which can improve the lives of tenants trapped in poor quality accommodation.
“This, along with our further guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, builds on the ongoing work which sets out to make renting fairer and more accessible for all whilst also ensuring that everyone has a home which is safe and secure.”
Separately, the government is also making a push on ensuring that homebuyers with leasehold properties are not stuck in unfair and costly deals.
Earlier this month, more than 40 property developers and freeholders signed a government-backed pledge which commits to doing away with onerous “doubling clauses” that can result in ground rents soaring exponentially over a short period.
The pledge includes signatories Aviva, Barratt, Taylor Wimpey and PGIM.
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