On the 5th September MPs voted on a government bill that seeks to improve the rights of the UK’s tenants. Some would argue that any improvement is great, but Labour doesn’t feel that the new draft laws go far enough. They want to add extra amendments so landlord and letting agents face even tougher penalties if they rip off tenants.
Amendments to Bill
Labour has put forward an amendment that states a landlord could be fined £30k for a first offence and an unlimited amount for a second or subsequent offence. It says the extra money raised from fining rogue landlords could be used to help local authorities deal with other rogue landlords, thus cleaning up the private sector.
Crucial Vote
The two amendments have been tabled ahead of a crucial vote on the draft Tenant Fees Bill. If Labour gets its way, a major loophole that allows landlords to charge tenants for breaking the terms of their tenancy agreement will be closed. The second amendment seeks to remove the current £5k cap on fines levied on landlords who don’t play by the rules.
“Labour welcomes this long-awaited bill, but as it stands it will be a missed opportunity to ban unfair fees for good,” said Melanie Onn, shadow housing minister.
“Labour’s changes would ensure that landlords and agents cannot get around the bill by sneaking unfair fees into tenancy agreements and help make funding available to catch those who don’t play by the rules.
Labour says their amendments will offer tenants much greater protection.
What do you think of these new amendments? Let us know in the comments.
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