Housing minister Gavin Barwell has confirmed that consultation on the government’s proposed ban on letting agency fees levied on tenants in England will launch “in the spring.”
In a written answer to Labour MP Julie Elliott, Barwell says his government “is committed to building a strong and safe private rented sector, which provides security and stability for both tenants and landlords.”
He goes on to say that the government “announced at the 2016 Autumn Statement a ban on letting agent fees paid by tenants, to improve competition in the private rental market and give renters greater clarity and control over what they will pay. The government will consult in the Spring on the detail of implementation.”
Barwell goes on to say that the government’s long-awaited Housing White Paper – eventually announced at the end of last month – sets out an intention to promote fairness and transparency for a growing number of leaseholders.
“We will consult on a range of measures to tackle all unfair and unreasonable abuses of leasehold and consider further reforms through the consultation to improve consumer choice and fairness for leaseholders” says Barwell.
He then adds: “An increasing number of private tenants are happy with their tenure and standards are improving. We are determined to ensure all sectors of the housing market provide decent homes.”