New Guidance Issued for Landlords, Tenants and Local Authorities

New guidance is being issued to local authorities across England as part of the Government’s plans to reform the private rented sector and crackdown on rogue landlords. One guidance document is aimed at local authority enforcement practitioners and another for tenants and landlords in what Housing Minister Heather Wheeler described as the latest step in the Government cracking down on the small minority of criminal landlords who exploit tenants for their own gains.

She pointed out that local authority enforcement officers play a crucial role in making sure people in rented accommodation have somewhere safe and secure to live. Following the success of a nationwide programme of workshops rolled out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help enforcement officers learn from one another, the guidance published aims to ensure that those responsible for protecting tenants can use the powers available to them to maximum effect.

The new support includes an easy to navigate digital enforcement package with online learning modules for those officers who were unable to attend the national programme. The guide for tenants and landlords brings together the rights and responsibilities of each, and provides links to in depth guidance on legislation.

‘This package of support for those working on the frontline of the private rented sector will ensure they are fully equipped to make use of any new powers which can improve the lives of tenants trapped in poor quality accommodation,’ said Wheeler. ‘This, along with our further guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, builds on the ongoing work which sets out to make renting fairer and more accessible for all whilst also ensuring that everyone has a home which is safe and secure,’ she added.

Author: propertywire.com