Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
The current system for renters to resolve problems relies on them being aware of, and...
Conclusion
The current system for renters to resolve problems relies on them being aware of, and enforcing, their own rights. However, tenants often do not know how to complain or do not have the confidence to do so. Charities such as Shelter and Citizens Advice try to plug the gaps where local authorities are struggling to provide support.38 The Department told us it produces clear ‘how to rent’ guides, but acknowledged the difficulty of ensuring vulnerable tenants are supported.39
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
1: PAC conclusion: It is too difficult for renters to realize their legal right to a safe and secure home. 1: PAC recommendation: Alongside its Treasury Minute response the Department should write to the Committee to set out how it will use its planned reform programme to: • Better support renters to understand what their rights are; and • Improve renters’ ability to exercise their rights by learning from complaints and redress mechanisms used in other consumer markets. 1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2026 1.2 The government recognises the need for greater fairness in the system to allow renters to realise their right to a safe and secure home and will bring forward a landmark Renters Reform Bill in this Parliamentary session. The government published a white paper on 16 June 2022 setting out details of the planned reforms. 1.3 As part of these reforms, the department will introduce a new property portal helping landlords to understand their obligations and giving tenants the information they need to make informed choices. Full roll-out of the digital product will happen in phases but the government expect early public Beta testing of the new property portal to commence Summer 2023, and after Royal Assent, with full roll-out by Summer 2026. 1.4 The government is also committed to learn from other consumer markets to improve renters’ ability to access redress and to resolve complaints. The government will abolish section 21 evictions (Housing Act 1988) empowering tenants to challenge poor practice without the risk of retaliatory eviction. 1.5 A new single ombudsman will be introduced that all private landlords will be required to join. This will give private tenants, as social tenants currently have, a free redress services and make landlords accountable for their conduct and legal responsibilities. The department will also learn from the recent mediation pilot to explore how it can improve alternative dispute resolution and mediation offerings within the sector. 1.6 The government is committed to supporting renters to understand their rights in the current and reformed system. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (the Department) currently produces a series of housing ‘how to’ guides that summarise the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. The department is committed to using a range of strategies and channels, including working with other partners, for example, the Department for Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice, to make sure messages reach the right groups, including digitally excluded and marginalised groups.