Protection for private renters must improve

For too long the private rented sector has been left free and open to abuse by irresponsible landlords who do not take their responsibilities to tenants seriously.  With young adults today being dubbed ‘Generation Rent' its no surprise this is a problem on the increase. With job security and wages at an all time low its no surprise young people are being forced to rent due to the lack of affordable housing and the large deposit needed to buy a home. This is increasingly a problem found in Fant where large properties have been subdivided into multi occupant accommodations frequently in old houses. Landlords often fail to fix problems with properties quickly and efficiently when they occur leaving tenants to live in squalid conditions. Problems can range from broken boilers, mould contaminations and rodent infestations.

 

Elliot Dean  Maidstone & the Weald Labour Party Youth Officer will continue to fight for people in the private rented sector. Commenting on the news Elliot said " We must provide long term tenancy agreements for people in the private rented sector. With more people renting than ever before its important people have long term security. If people know how much their rent is going to be they can budget long term."

 



 

What is the solution?

Labour wants to create a landlord register. Letting agent licensing is needed to guarantee standards in the sector and drive out those who fail their tenants. New minimum standards of decency are needed to ensure that wherever someone privately rents, they won't be subjected to hazards and disrepair. We also need to change the culture of the industry, making longer-term lets the norm to ensure security for private tenants. Labour will also put an end to rip off letting fees that estate agents charge customers who wish to rent.

On Friday 28th November a bill (Tenancies (Reform) Bill 2014-15) will be put before the house of commons calling for an End to ‘revenge evictions' from Landlords who evict tenants who ask for repairs to be carried out. Maidstone Labour will continue to stand up for all renters across the Borough. We will continue to fight until renters get the security and conditions they deserve.

Is Helen Grant MP a renter champion?

I have asked Helen Grant MP (current MP for Maidstone & the Weald)  to support the the Tenancies (Reform) Bill but she said she was unable to be in parliment that day! Helen Grant made it to vote FOR the vile Bedroom Tax but couldnt make it to stand up for private renters across Maidstone & the Weald.