Private Rented Sector 2023-12-04
2023-12-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is seeking information on the steps being taken to reform the private rented sector, focusing on issues like tenant protection and landlord obligations.
What steps he is taking to reform the private rented sector. I am concerned about the lack of protections for tenants in the private rented accommodation compared to social landlords who are required to honour their obligations to tenants regarding mould and safety.
I am delighted to announce that our Renters (Reform) Bill completed Committee stage in the House last week. Our ambitious and balanced reforms will deliver on our manifesto commitment to abolish section 21 evictions and to reform grounds for possession, so that landlords can recover their properties when they need to.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked specifically about protections for private tenants but the answer focused more broadly on legislative progress without addressing tenant protection details directly.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is raising concerns about the lack of protections for private tenants regarding mould, safety issues, and the risk they face compared to social housing residents.
Those in private rented accommodation do not have the same protection as those in social landlords who are required to honour their obligations to tenants. Why are private tenants put at risk?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the work that he did following the tragic and unnecessary death of Awaab Ishak. We have tabled an amendment to the Renters (Reform) Bill to expand the decent homes standard to the private rented sector for the first time. I look forward to working with him to ensure that the Bill is in as good a state as it can be when it leaves this House.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about why private tenants lack protections but the response provided information on proposed reforms without addressing the specific risk faced by private tenants.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is discussing increased expenditure on homelessness, citing section 21 notices as a driver of this increase. The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee has been investigating local government finances.
In the past two years, expenditure on homelessness and temporary accommodation has increased by 50%. Section 21 notices are a prime driver of that. How is court reform helping if the Ministry of Justice budget is frozen?
I can confirm to the Chair of the Select Committee that I met the relevant Minister in the Ministry of Justice just this morning to discuss that point. We are working at pace to ensure that the courts are ready for the biggest change in the private rented sector in over 30 years. The hon. Gentleman talked about local government funding. We are conducting a new burdens assessment for local government to ensure that any additional burdens that are placed on local government are funded properly.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked specifically about the timetable and budget freeze but the response provided general statements without addressing these specific issues directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is criticising the Government for delays in abolishing no-fault evictions and ending leasehold practices, questioning the effectiveness of proposed reforms.
In 2019, a Tory Prime Minister promised to ban no-fault evictions. Since then, households have been put at risk of homelessness because of a section 21 notice nearly 78,000 times. In 2017, the fifth predecessor of the Secretary of State pledged action to end leasehold practices but just last year another 207,000 homeowners became stuck in that expensive nightmare. Is he too scared to stand up to his Back Benchers?
I should remind the right hon. Lady that I am not the Secretary of State. Let me also remind her that the Renters (Reform) Bill is the biggest change to the private rented sector in 30 years—longer than I have been alive. We have to ensure that we get this right both for tenants and for the 2.4 million landlords in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Attacking The Questioner'S Credibility
Response accuracy