Lib Dems: Ban on tenant fees 'just the beginning'

With support from the Liberal Democrats the Second Reading of the Tenant Fees Bill was passed by Members of Parliament on 21 May 2018.

The Tenant Fees Bill sets out the Government's approach to banning letting fees paid by tenants in the private rented sector.

Liberal Democrats have campaigned relentlessly to get tenants' letting fees banned. The upfront costs of renting are far too high, pushing many people into debt just to pay the fees, and stopping others from being able to move into a rented home.

Locally, Rugby Liberal Democrats have called for Rugby Borough Council to introduce a Private Renters' Charter to help landlords and support tenants. Private Renters' Charters exist to set out standards the law demands from all private landlords and agents.

Speaking about the Tenant Fees Bill, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse MP, said:

"Tenant fees are often unreasonable, lack transparency and make the cost of moving house extortionate. It is shameful that insecurity in the rental sector has trapped people between spiraling rental costs and unreasonable letting fees.

"This Bill is a victory for the Liberal Democrats and for the fight for renters' rights. Time and again we have called on the Government to ban letting fees for tenants, cap on upfront deposits and clamp down on rogue landlords.

"The ban on tenant fees is therefore good progress, but it is just the beginning. Liberal Democrats are now calling for government-backed loans to help people afford a tenancy deposit, and tighter regulation in the private rented sector to stop rogue landlords."

Charter needed to help tenants and support landlords
https://rugbylibdems.org.uk/en/article/2018/1254108/charter-needed-to-help-tenants-and-support-landlords