MPs planning regulation of private rented sector

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government

The All Party Parliamentary Group for the private rented sector is launching an inquiry into how best to regulate the industry.

The inquiry follows housing minister Mark Prisk telling the Group in February that the government’s key objectives for the sector was for it to be “bigger and better”.

Evidence is being invited from all interested parties about how standards in the sector could be raised.

A report will be produced with recommendations being made to ministers.

As well as written submissions, meetings will hear from invited experts with the first session taking place on May 14, when members of the Group will have the opportunity to question witnesses on improving safety in the private rented sector.

Figures released in the English Housing Survey for 2011/12 reported that 21 percent of properties in the private sector have at least one safety hazard.

The Group’s chairman, Martin Vickers MP, said: “All official figures show that the private rented sector is now the only housing tenure growing. Whilst good news for those in need of a home as well as supporting economic growth, this increase in the size of the sector needs to be sustainable.

“Growth of this kind naturally increases choice for tenants who may then be able to avoid poor quality stock. This inquiry however will assess how to ensure that this is matched by measures that improve safety in the sector as well as securing a regulatory system that supports growth, whilst rooting out the minority of landlords who bring the sector into disrepute and cause misery for tenants.

“I would encourage all those with an interest to have their say.”