Government look to throw landlords under the bus with 3 year tenancies

Government look to throw landlords under the bus with 3 year tenancies

9:15 AM, 2nd July 2018, About 6 years ago 97

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The government has released to the BBC and other selected journalists that it intends to hold a consultation considering making the shortest term tenancy in England 3 years with a 6 month break clause for tenants.

The consultation is due to start this week and run until 26th August.

Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, said to the BBC: “It is deeply unfair when renters are forced to uproot their lives or find new schools for their children at short notice due to the terms of their rental contract.

“Being able to call your rental property your home is vital to putting down roots and building stronger communities.”

He then told the Mail that under the proposed reforms, tenants would be able to leave before the end of the minimum term, but would have greater protection if they wanted to stay for an extended period.

By the Governments very own figures the average tenancy length is over 4 years so why take away nearly all flexibility? Only normally the worse tenants are served a section 21 by landlords. Do politicians still want the Private sector to house the tenants that the state can’t accommodate?

John Healey, Shadow Housing Secretary said: “Any fresh help for renters is welcome but this latest promise is meaningless if landlords can still force tenants out by hiking up the rent.”

Healey also added that Labour plans for the PRS included controls on rents, an end to no fault evictions (ie. section 21) and even more protection against substandard properties.

As easily predicted Shelter waded in with Polly Neate saying: “This is an important step forward. Losing a tenancy is the main driver of homelessness and also causes huge instability for renting families so everyone who rents will be very pleased to see a move towards longer tenancies, but if the government really wants to stand up and provide stability for renters, they can and should go beyond three years to provide real protection from eviction, and the huge upheaval of having to move home, jobs and schools.

“The government needs to bring forward new legislation quickly with tens of thousands of families already homeless and many more at risk of the same fate, we simply cannot wait.”


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Comments

Richard Adams

11:29 AM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by rita chawla at 03/07/2018 - 11:24
Won't your non British national tenants be unaffected by this Rita? They are not bound to remain tenants for 3 years although they will need to sign up for a 3 year minimum tenancy, because they can serve notice to leave earlier. The only person who cannot shorten the tenancy is you!

Simon Williams

15:21 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mark Shine at 02/07/2018 - 21:13I have just read the consultation. Every landlord should do so and respond to it. The government seems at pains to stress that it doesn't want the proposals to reduce incentives to invest and seems open to the landlord viewpoint - more so than other consultations I have read. Of course, it could be the usual "BS" - but it would greatly increase the chance of a less painful outcome, if lots of landlords responded. Things that could sugar coat the pill and which are mentioned in the consultation are: possible tax incentives; a probationary period before the long part of the tenancy kicks in; easier eviction in non-payment of rent cases; exemptions for people seeking shorter lets. My stance is to argue the whole idea is bad, but still to engage on the things that could make it less worse.

terry sullivan

16:45 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

its bs--only bit that will stick is the anti-landlord bit--big business wants us gone--all because of gidiot

terry sullivan

16:46 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Monty Bodkin at 03/07/2018 - 09:29
UK popn=90 million now

Jay James

18:27 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by terry sullivan at 03/07/2018 - 16:46This is really interesting. What's thesource for the statistic?

Jay James

18:31 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by terry sullivan at 03/07/2018 - 16:45This I believe. Can't prove it, but I think it. Also, it has been said before on here (can't find the forum) that the target is to go over to very large landlords.
This would explain a lot going on currently.

Chris @ Possession Friend

23:37 PM, 3rd July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by terry sullivan at 02/07/2018 - 09:48Terry,
Your understanding of Unfair, compared the gov'ts is at variance.
Their proposal is that ; Tenants can have the right to demand up to 3 year Tenancies, BUT, wait for it, Can leave earlier than that term.
Its quite simple to understand really, tenants won't be bound by the terms of the contract, But LANDLORDS will - what's Unfair about that ? ( sic )
The Consumer Marketing Authority 'Guidance on Unfair Terms', will simply be re-written. !!! -
Fairness won't matter, because it will bring the Gov much needed Votes. Far cheaper to screw over landlords than pay Billions to a minority political party !

Mick Roberts

10:39 AM, 4th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Can you Landlords please sign this & forward to all your contacts.
A small hope, we have to try anything & everything.

I'm sure we not get 10k signatures, but the more Licensing & Govt start to see these things, who knows.

“Petition calling for a review of Nottingham City Councils Selective Licensing."
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223039

Whiteskifreak Surrey

11:38 AM, 4th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Something to read about 3 yrs tenancy... Big boys in action, obviously supporting the Government who give the handouts:
https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2018/7/major-landlord-supports-the-idea-of-longer-tenancies?source=related_articles

Gromit

12:03 PM, 4th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 04/07/2018 - 11:38
This is all about the BTR brigade lobbying Government, influencing Shelter (L&G are sponsors) Generation Rent, et al. for 3 yr tenancies; knowing that private Landlords will have difficulties with their Lenders (who will withdraw BTL products, and/or put rates due to higher risk).
All supported by this faux Tory corporatist Government.
(BTW after the Treasury who do you think will benefit most from Sec.24?)

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