Government shifts away from blanket bans on benefit recipients and families

The government has tabled amendments to make it illegal for landlords and letting agents to have blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children.

Other amendments include introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.

The amendments will be considered at the Committee stage for the Renters Reform Bill in the House of Commons.

Improving housing standards

Housing Secretary Michael Gove said: “Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm and decent. But far too many live in conditions that fall well below what is acceptable.

“As part of our long-term plan for housing, we are improving housing standards across the entire private rented sector, while also ending discrimination against vulnerable people and families who are being unfairly denied access to a home.”

Mr Gove assured landlords they will still be able to carry out reference checks to make sure a tenancy is affordable and have the final say on who they let their property to.

This will apply to England and Wales and will be extended to Scotland via a further amendment at the Report Stage.

New enforcement powers

Alongside this, a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will be applied to the private rented sector for the first time.

The new standard will set a clear bar for what tenants should expect from their home ensuring it is safe, warm and decent.

Local Authorities will be given new enforcement powers to require landlords to make properties decent, with fines up to £30,000 or a banning order in the worst cases.

Tenants will also be able to claim up to 24 months rent back through rent repayment orders up from 12 previously.

Councils will also be given stronger powers to investigate landlords who rent substandard homes, providing them with the tools they need to identify and take enforcement action against the criminal minority and help drive them out of the sector.