Property Repairs Recourse for Renters 2024-03-04
2024-03-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Renters in the constituency face issues with unresponsive landlords who do not address safety concerns adequately.
I am concerned about property repairs and safety for renters where landlords are non-compliant. What steps is his Department taking to ensure recourse for tenants facing these issues?
Local authorities can issue improvement notices and penalties for non-compliance by landlords. Social tenants have access to the housing ombudsman service, and the Renters (Reform) Bill will establish a landlord ombudsman service for private tenants.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures requested were not detailed beyond existing initiatives.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Tenants in the constituency face ongoing issues with landlords who do not address their concerns promptly.
While legislative changes are welcome, more must be done. Will the Minister work to ensure that my constituents facing unresponsive landlords can access timely and effective remedial action?
I will indeed work with my hon. Friend to ensure his residents can seek redress through the property ombudsman or housing ombudsman, and we are committed to protecting tenants from poor service providers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific process for timely remedial action was not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Children in the constituency are hospitalised due to mould in their rented homes. A proposed bill aims to address this issue for social housing tenants but not private renters.
Too many children are hospitalised because there is mould in their rented homes. Will the Minister consider supporting my Bill to extend Awaab's law and ensure private landlords fix mould issues?
I am grateful for discussions on her Bill. The Renters (Reform) Bill introduces a decent homes standard for the private rented sector, and I would be happy to continue discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support for extending Awaab's law was not committed to beyond existing measures.
Response accuracy