According to the Office for National Statistics, there are around 5.5 million rented properties in the UK – a figure that is growing year on year.
Yesterday (February 13), the Labour government revealed on social media it was making five key changes to support tenants in the years ahead. “Renting? Here’s five changes we’re making to support you,” they began via their TikTok account.
The first benefits tenants particularly at this time of year as many struggle to afford to pay increasing fuel costs. “Landlords need to provide better insulation and double glazing,” the government states. “This means a warmer home and cheaper bills for you.”
Next, the government promises tenancies will become “more flexible”, meaning tenants won’t be tied down to long-term contracts. Instead, tenants will be able to end their contracts at any time – providing landlords are given two months’ notice.
The next change is sure to be a hit with animal lovers, meanwhile. Currently, many tenancy agreements stipulate that tenants are prohibited from allowing a pet to reside with them. However, the new ruling proposes that “your request for a pet in the property must be considered”.
The fourth change promises to cut “unfair bidding wars and rent increases” regardless of demand for a property. The government explains: “This means the advertised price needs to be what you ultimately pay. And any unfair rent increase can be challenged.”
Closing the list, the government says it is introducing an amendment that will support those with children and/or receiving benefits. The right to rent for those who fall into these categories means you cannot be discriminated against when searching for a place to live.
“These all sound great,” one tenant responded. “Unfortunately my landlord was so concerned about this that they put my rent up by 20% as soon as Labour won. That was fun.” Whilst a second added: “All this is really good for the renters and will keep them happy, just a thought – who and how will this be covered cost wise? I can see rents rising,we need to get rid of slum landlords.”
And a third TikTok user begged: “Bring this into effect ASAP. I’m currently fighting my landlord to end our tenancy due to disrepair but everything is in his favour!”
Several landlords hit out at the changes, however, claiming it was unfair on them and will result in a greater number of properties being listed for sale rather than to let. “If I spend thousands insulating my properties and on new double glazing it puts them into a higher category, increases the value and the rent goes up by £300,” one landlord explained.
Another added sarcastically: “Great plan… Wait, landlords are selling up, so less supply of rental properties, so rents go up. Simple economics, supply and demand. Good work Labour, less properties to rent and prices have gone up.”
A tenant was sceptical too, meanwhile, commenting: “Oh, such nonsense… As soon as I take a dog without the owner’s consent, it will immediately increase my rent or end the contract after two months.” Whilst a fourth homeowner fumed: “Law overwhelmingly on side of tenants. If you sue a landlord who has assets, they can be made to pay. Tenants have nothing. Staying in someone else’s house not paying is stealing.”
Announcing “Tenancy Reform” Labour said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce a transformative new tenancy system, ending the threat of arbitrary section 21 evictions, which uproot renters from their homes with little notice and minimal justification.
“The new tenancy system will provide tenants with greater security and stability and empower them to challenge bad practice without fear of retaliatory eviction. Landlords will also benefit, with more straightforward regulation, and clearer and expanded possession grounds.”
