Healey plans more help for tenants

ROTHERHAM tenants living in rented accommodation will be given a raft of practical help and protection as part of changes proposed for the housing sector by Wentworth MP John Healey.

Acting in his capacity as Minister for Housing, Mr Healey proposed a number of changes in Parliament.

He aims to take some of the risk out of renting and ensure landlords provide safer and better homes.

Healey said: “Over three million families live in private rented housing and while the majority of tenants say they're happy with their homes and landlords many do face problems with their landlord and should have better help and protection on hand.

“Every tenant should be confident in their decision to rent as well as be clear what to expect before they sign on the dotted line.

“That's why I'm making information about the track record of landlords available to everyone and written tenancy agreements will mean all tenants are clear about their rights from the outset.

“Creating Local Letting Agencies, where councils and good landlords work together to help local people find better-quality homes in the private rented sector will help to sideline the cowboys across the country.”

Mr Healey's plans make written agreements a legal requirement for all tenancies.

Information on the track record of prospective landlords, including how they keep their properties up to scratch and how quickly they fix any faults will also be compiled as part of a National Landlords Register.

Tenancy rights will be extended to more people living in shared homes on short term lets—giving extra protection to around 150,000 more people, including many students and seasonal workers.