Responding to the publication of the Government’s draft bill on
letting fees, Cllr Martin Tett, the Local Government
Association’s Housing Spokesman, said:
“This ban on letting agent fees and a cap on holding deposits
will bring much-needed clarity for the private rented sector.
Excessive fees are a concern for tenants and councils, as they
hamper access to the market and put pressures on other tenures,
such as social or supported housing.
“If the Government expect local authorities to enforce the ban,
it’s vital that they provide the resources and funding that will
be needed in order to make such enforcement successful. That
means making sure up-front funding is provided to support Trading
Standards, and that a national information campaign is undertaken
to make tenants aware of the new rules.
“The LGA has previously asked for councils to have greater
flexibility to deliver area-specific private rented sector
licensing schemes. This bill would be the perfect opportunity to
provide this, but, as a minimum, the Government should make
sentencing guidelines for Housing Act offences a priority, so
that appropriate fines can be awarded in court.
“A thriving private rented sector contributes to a balanced mix
of affordable housing in communities, and we know that with the
right measures, that can be delivered – but only if councils are
adequately resourced to ensure their residents are fully
protected.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- 1. The 2004 Housing Act gave councils
powers to take landlords to court for letting properties with
hazards such as dangerous electrics, fire safety, excess cold and
other issues.
