Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Private Rented Sector

17 March 2020 · 5 other contributors · 4,891 words

Opened by Tulip Siddiq Lab Hampstead and Highgate

Responding minister: Luke Hall

HousingMental Health

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tulip Siddiq raised concerns about private rented sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Tulip Siddiq is concerned about potential unfair evictions of low-income private renters who may fall behind on rent payments during self-isolation periods due to coronavirus.
  • Siddiq notes that older and more vulnerable renters with underlying health conditions are at higher risk in substandard housing, which can worsen mental health issues.
  • The Minister acknowledges the size and diversity of the private rented sector in England, housing over 11 million people, and the insecurity many tenants face.

Key requests to Government

Siddiq calls on the Minister to seriously consider Labour's proposals for rent deferrals and a ban on evictions due to non-payment of rent caused by coronavirus. She also emphasizes the need for better maintenance standards in rental properties to protect tenants' health and well-being.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Tulip Siddiq Lab Hampstead and Highgate

Tulip Siddiq is concerned about the impact of coronavirus on private renters, especially those with low incomes. She highlighted that a large number of tenants could be unfairly evicted if they fall behind in rent payments during self-isolation periods. Siddiq also noted that older and more vulnerable renters are particularly at risk due to underlying health conditions and substandard housing conditions, which can exacerbate mental health issues. The private rented sector has doubled over the past 15 years with more than 700,000 over-60s privately renting in England.

Other contributors (5)
  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Kim Johnson questioned whether landlord licensing is an effective way to ensure adequate accommodation for vulnerable constituents and suggested that the Government should extend landlord licensing in Liverpool. She also raised concerns about private landlords benefiting from housing benefit and public sector money, proposing a re-evaluation of how such funds are invested to support vulnerable residents.

  • Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree

    I am concerned about the impact of coronavirus on low-income private renters, especially those already struggling with high rents and insecure work. Statutory sick pay is inadequate for most Londoners. There are serious issues with housing conditions in the private rental sector, including overcrowding, dampness, black mould, and water leaks. I highlighted stories from my constituency, such as a family living in uninhabitable accommodation for nearly two decades. Local councils lack funding to enforce improvements, and there is a need for a universal register of landlords to tackle rogue landlord issues.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    The hon. Member highlighted that one in four adults suffers from a diagnosable mental health condition, with one in five reporting that housing exacerbates these conditions. She also paid tribute to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and noted its importance.

  • Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

    The hon. Member agreed with previous points, noting that failure to keep rental levels in line with local housing allowance affects families on low incomes adversely. He pointed out that people can only afford a three-bedroom home within the local housing allowance in 2% of England after four years of rent freeze and tiny inflation rise.

  • Steve McCabe Lab Birmingham Selly Oak

    I agree with my hon. Friend's point about the conditions in which our constituents live. The long-term impact of high rents is driving people out of areas they grew up in and love but cannot afford anymore. We need to bring down rents in the private sector and ensure that mayors can introduce sensible rent control measures.

Government Response

Luke Hall

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again, Sir Gary. I thank the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Tulip Siddiq) for bringing the debate to the House and for the constructive tone she set. She highlighted that not only is the private rented sector the second largest tenure in England, housing more than 11 million people representing about 19% of all housing in England; it also houses an increasingly diverse range of tenants. The Minister acknowledged the insecurity many tenants feel due to the current situation and committed to delivering a package of reforms aimed at creating a fairer rental market through their upcoming rental reform Bill. He mentioned that local authorities have strong enforcement powers, including banning orders, to address poor standards in private rented sector homes. Addressing mental health concerns, he stated that this will form an important part of their reforms on the housing health-and-safety rating system. The Minister also discussed a consultation on extending information on the database of rogue landlords and property agents to tenants, currently under review. In response to the impact of the current climate on self-isolation costs, the Minister confirmed that further support measures would be announced by the Chancellor later that day.

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