A private member’s bill has been backed by the government that will see up to nine million tenants receiving increased protection from rogue landlords. Under the proposed changes, it will become illegal for tenants to be evicted for making justifiable complaints.
It is hoped that the bill will put an end to an era of tenants being subject to vengeful landlords, and will impose regulations on how a landlord can react to tenant complaints. If enacted, tenants will be able to complain about faulty boilers, leaky roofs and dangerous electrical items without fear of reprisal.
The announcement has been welcomed by campaign groups, including Shelter and Crisis. Shelter estimates that last year more than 200,000 people suffered what are known as ‘revenge evictions’. However, the changes will not stop legitimate evictions from taking place, but rather seek to put an end to bad practice.
Stephen Williams, Minster for Communities, has said he wants to “outlaw revenge evictions once and for all – ensuring tenants do not face the prospect of losing their home simply because they’ve asked for essential repairs to be made.”
Tenants would be granted legal protection once they have spoken to their council to confirm a health and safety issue. They would then be able to make the complaint freely without fear of undue consequence.
“Nobody should have to raise their children in a place where their health and well-being are at risk, let alone live in fear of being thrown out simply for complaining about a problem in their home,” said Shelter’s chief executive, Campbell Robb.
The bill will receive its second reading on 28 November, with the aim of becoming law before next year’s general election.