Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Private Rented Sector

16 June 2022 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Eddie Hughes Con Constituency

Housing

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Eddie Hughes raised concerns about private rented sector in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The minister announces a White Paper titled "A fairer private rented sector" to deliver reforms.
  • Key measures include requiring all privately rented homes to meet the decent homes standard.
  • Section 21 no-fault evictions will be banned, and rent rises will be limited to once a year.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Eddie Hughes

Our homes are fundamental to our wellbeing, yet many private renters face poor conditions and insecurity. The minister announces a White Paper titled 'A fairer private rented sector' which aims to deliver reforms focusing on fairness, security, and accountability for both tenants and landlords. Key measures include: requiring all privately rented homes to meet the decent homes standard; banning section 21 no-fault evictions; limiting rent rises to once a year; bolstering local council enforcement powers; facilitating pet ownership requests; enhancing investigative capabilities of councils; introducing a property portal for clear information on rights and responsibilities. The minister emphasises that these reforms recognise the evolving nature of renting, providing stability for those who cannot afford home ownership due to high costs and economic pressures. He highlights previous actions such as reducing non-decent homes, banning tenancy fees post-2019, and pandemic emergency measures against bailiff evictions. The statement concludes with a commitment to work closely with stakeholders to implement these reforms effectively.

Other contributors (12)
  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Question

    Why has it taken so long for the government to act on promised reforms? What is the timeline for publishing legislation?

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledges previous commitments but emphasises the thorough consideration required for such significant reforms. He commits to working closely with stakeholders and aims to publish legislation in due course, though a specific date is not provided.

  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Question

    How will mandatory grounds for possession be strengthened without being abused? How will the decent homes standard be enforced effectively?

    Minister reply

    The minister assures that measures will prevent abuse of possession grounds, details not specified. Regarding enforcement, he promises steps to ensure proper implementation and address tenant concerns.

  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Question

    Why is there a reluctance to limit rent increases further? What measures are in place to prevent unreasonable rent hikes?

    Minister reply

    The minister explains that current proposals aim at reasonable control but does not elaborate on additional measures against excessive rent rises.

  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Question

    The MP welcomed the White Paper but criticised the delay in bringing forward legislation, questioned potential abuse of mandatory grounds for possession, and expressed concerns over enforcement mechanisms and lack of measures against unreasonable rent increases. He urged for emergency legislation instead.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging the criticism, the Minister apologised for late publication and emphasised ongoing support for renters during the pandemic through furlough payments and discretionary housing assistance. The Government plans to consult extensively on the White Paper before drafting legislation, aiming to deliver it swiftly in Parliament.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    The MP questioned whether proposed measures could have a reverse effect of discouraging landlords from investing in properties.

    Minister reply

    The Minister cited the English Housing Survey which suggests that the balance between property buying and selling by landlords is not as dramatic as suggested. He assured ongoing monitoring to prevent unintended consequences.

  • Karen Buck

    Question

    While welcoming the White Paper, the MP expressed concerns about further delays in legislation due to consultation and piloting processes, urging an urgent review of enforcement capacity.

    Minister reply

    The Minister committed to meeting with the MP to discuss her suggestions for reviewing local government's capacity to enforce housing standards.

  • Scott Benton

    Question

    The MP thanked the Minister for working closely on a £1 million housing enforcement pilot in Blackpool and requested a meeting to discuss a £30 million package for housing-led regeneration.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging Blackpool's poor housing conditions, the Minister expressed eagerness to work further with the MP on proposals for improving housing standards.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    I welcome the reforms proposed, but more needs to be done to protect renters and especially LGBT+ individuals from homelessness. What additional measures are in place?

    Minister reply

    The Government will spend £2 billion on tackling homelessness over three years. We work closely with charities supporting the LGBT community to inform policy formation.

  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Question

    How does the Minister plan to rebalance the housing market in favour of social housing and reduce disrepair issues?

    Minister reply

    The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill aims to improve regulation of the social housing sector. Our ambition is to cut non-decent homes by 50% across all tenures by 2030.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Question

    With rent costs rising and section 21 evictions, will the Minister reconsider implementing rent controls?

    Minister reply

    Rent control is not a Conservative policy. We are abolishing rent review clauses and section 21 to help tenants save money and move less frequently.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that ensuring high standards for letting agencies is key to tenant security? Could he commit to a code of conduct similar to Wales?

    Minister reply

    There are two landlord redress schemes regulating approximately 19,000 letting agents. I am open to discussing proposals with the hon. Member.

Shadow Comment

Matthew Pennycook

The shadow welcomes the White Paper but criticises its late publication, questioning why reform has taken so long given previous commitments. He highlights the urgent need for legislation rather than further consultation due to rising rents and risk of arrears and eviction amid a cost-of-living crisis. The Labour Party calls for emergency measures, specifically concerning no-fault evictions and rent rises, while expressing concerns about enforcement mechanisms for minimum standards. Matthew Pennycook urges the Government to bring forward legislation urgently, citing long-standing advocacy for reforms by various organisations.

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