Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Private Rented Sector

Monday 27 March 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government plans to reform the private rented sector to enhance security and quality for renters.
  • The Government aims to abolish section 21 evictions to provide more protections for renters.
  • The Minister will consider prioritising antisocial behaviour cases in court as part of reforms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Sunderland
Housing
Context

Concerns about private landlords failing to provide adequate housing for vulnerable tenants, leading to legal and social issues.

Question

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.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to sanction irresponsible landlords were not detailed; only broad reforms mentioned.

How: Broad Reforms

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Q2 Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab
Housing
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.

Question

Will the Minister provide assurances that renters will be protected and not forced out by her new Bill despite recent announcements of tougher measures?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete assurances not provided; only a commitment stated without specifics.

How: Commitment Statement

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Q3 James Sunderland
Housing
Context

Good law should balance the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords. Concerns exist about potential overreach that could harm good landlords.

Question

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.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Answered
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Q4 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Crime & Law Enforcement Housing
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The Minister has committed to take the hon. Gentleman's point away and look at it with officials, showing willingness but no immediate commitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear commitment given; only a promise to review the suggestion.

How: Will Review

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Q5 Paul Maynard Con
Housing Environment
Context

Blackpool has a high proportion of private rented houses. The social rented sector is seeing improvements to address issues like damp and mould.

Question

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?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Answered
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