Sadiq Khan wants landlords to pay ‘tenant relocation payments’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging the next Prime Minister to bring in ‘tenant relocation payments’ when a renter is being moved through no fault of their own.

He made the comments to the London Assembly during a debate on the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper that has been published by the government.

The proposals in the White Paper include the ending of Section 21 evictions, make it tougher for landlords to refuse a tenant with a pet and outlawing landlords not renting to tenants on benefits or families with children.

However, Mr Khan told the Assembly that the proposals should go further and urged whoever becomes the next Prime Minister to pay the moving costs of tenants who are asked to leave a property when they have done nothing wrong.

Freeze rents in London for up to two years

He also wants to freeze rents in London for up to two years – or until the cost-of-living crisis is resolved – and introduce extended notice periods.

Mr Khan said: “Renters have waited far too long for these reforms, which are crucial to better balance the rights of landlords and tenants living in the private rented sector.

“Renters now need to see legislation brought forward with the utmost urgency so they can live safely and securely in their homes.”

He said the White Paper contains several recommendations that are in the London Model Tenancies Reform blueprint, including the ending of Section 21 evictions and introducing open-ended tenancies with no fixed term breaks or break clauses.

‘Build on the success of the Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker’

Mr Khan said: “I am also pleased to see the inclusion of a property portal; the landlord register I have campaigned for, and which will build on the success of the Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker I established in London.

“However, crucial elements are missing from the White Paper proposals if all renters, particularly those who are the most vulnerable and households with children, are to truly see the benefit of these reforms.

“These include extended notice periods, tenant relocation payments and freezing rent for the next two years, particularly during this cost-of-living crisis.”

He added: “It is really important whoever becomes the next Conservative Leader and therefore our Prime Minister commits to deliver on these as soon as possible.”