Labour has launched its own review of the private rented sector

Following the news that the Tories are fast-tracking the measures in the Rental Reform Bill, the Labour party has launched its own review of the private rented sector.

Labour has launched a major review of private rented sector, to be led by Stephen Cowan, the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham council.

Although details of the review are sketchy, the review was announced by the shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Lisa Nandy said “Housing isn’t a market. It’s a fundamental human right. That’s why Labour has set out plans to tilt the balance of power back towards tenants through a powerful new Renters’ Charter and a new Decent Homes Standard.

“Security in your home, the right to make your home your own and most of all the right to live in a home fit for human habitation is non-negotiable.

“I’m delighted that Steve is going to drive forward this work so that we are ready to go on day one.”

At the recent Labour party annual conference, Labour party leader Sir Kier Starmer said “Buy to let landlords and second home owners will not get in first in front of local communities” when it comes to buying property.

Lisa Nandy added that should Labour win the next general election, a Renter's Charter would be introduced within 100 days of them taking office.

Although unconfirmed, such a charter would include measures to end Section 21 evictions, reduce eviction powers for landlords whose tenants are in arrears, introduce a four month notice period, introduce ‘portable’ deposits to make it easier for tenants to switch from property to property, allow tenants to have pets and let tenants make "reasonable alterations to a property." In common with the Tory measures, Labour would also create a national register of landlords and they would create a law enshrining a decent homes standard in the private rental sector.

Need some more information about the proposed Rental Reform Bill? Download our guide here.

Call 0161 511 5339 or contact us online to speak to one of our lettings specialists about the range of reforms that seem to be on the cards for landlords this year.