Private Rented Sector 2023-03-27
2023-03-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about private landlords failing to provide adequate housing for vulnerable tenants, leading to legal and social issues.
What steps will the government take to sanction landlords who do not meet their obligations towards vulnerable tenants? The problem is urgent as many people rely on these landlords for safe accommodation.
In the White Paper, plans are set out to reform the private rented sector, aiming at greater security and higher-quality homes for renters. Legislation will be introduced this Parliament.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to sanction irresponsible landlords were not detailed; only broad reforms mentioned.
Broad Reforms
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the Minister's speech to the Renters' Reform Coalition, 900 people have been served section 21 notices leading to potential eviction. The government has recently announced tougher measures making evictions easier.
Will the Minister provide assurances that renters will be protected and not forced out by her new Bill despite recent announcements of tougher measures?
The Government is committed to abolishing section 21 evictions as soon as parliamentary time allows, aiming to level up the private rented sector with more safeguards for renters and better-quality homes.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete assurances not provided; only a commitment stated without specifics.
Commitment Statement
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Good law should balance the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords. Concerns exist about potential overreach that could harm good landlords.
What is being done to protect landlords against tenants who do not meet their obligations? Good laws need to be balanced between renter and landlord protections.
The reforms are right, proportionate, and balanced. They will strengthen grounds for landlords to regain possession when tenants commit antisocial behaviour or fail to meet responsibilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Select Committee recommended that when section 21 is abolished, there must be a way to deal with antisocial behaviour swiftly. Courts often take over a year to address such issues.
Will the Minister agree to prioritise antisocial behaviour cases in court for both private and social housing as they are prioritised in private rented sector reforms?
The Minister has committed to take the hon. Gentleman's point away and look at it with officials, showing willingness but no immediate commitment.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear commitment given; only a promise to review the suggestion.
Will Review
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Blackpool has a high proportion of private rented houses. The social rented sector is seeing improvements to address issues like damp and mould.
Has the Minister considered extending the provisions on mould and damp that will apply to the social rented sector to private rented properties as well, to ensure better conditions?
The Minister has committed to bringing forward decent home standards in the private rented sector through the Renters Reform Bill, aiming for improvements akin to those made for social housing.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy