Rows erupt over mandatory three-year tenancies and six-month break clauses

Rows erupt over mandatory three-year tenancies and six-month break clauses


Todays other news


Arguments have already started over the government’s proposals to make three year tenancies the norm in the private rental sector.

Letting Agent Today reported over the weekend that the government will today, Monday, announce a formal consultation period on the proposal.

In government briefings to selected journalists over the weekend it was revealed that the three year period would be the most common duration for a tenancy in England with some exceptions, such as for students.

It has now also emerged that the government is likely to demand a six-month break clause.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire will this morning issue a statement saying: “It is deeply unfair when renters are forced to uproot their lives or find new schools for their children at short notice due to the terms of their rental contract. Being able to call your rental property your home is vital to putting down roots and building stronger communities.”

However, there has already been dissent about the proposal.

Several comments on LAT’s story yesterday suggested that the issue of a tenant not paying rent may be exacerbated by the longer tenancies. One comment said “the government doesn’t have a clue” about how letting agents, landlords, buy to let investors and the broader rental sector operated.

Now Labour’s housing spokesman, John Healey, has also criticised the idea. He says: “Any fresh help for renters is welcome but this latest promise is meaningless if landlords can still force tenants out by hiking up the rent.”

Healey says Labour’s plans include controls on rents, an end to what he describes as “no-fault evictions” and enhanced protection against sub-standard properties.

Share this article ...

Join the conversation: Login and have your say

14 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Recommended for you
Related Articles
Women In Estate Agency conference 2025 announced...
The ESTAS Awards are set to celebrate their 21st anniversary...
PropTech big-names Reapit and Homesearch have signed a strategic partnership...
Property professionals gearing up for the 2024 Variety North West...
A leading agent says there are renegotiations on prices of...
Reeves to slash Right To Buy discount on Wednesday...
It’s been revealed by Propertymark that HM Revenue & Customs...
Recommended for you
Latest Features
A provider of digital property packs claims over 133,000 homes...
System overcomes limitation for many agents when faced with clients...
A survey of over 34,000 home-movers by Rightmove reveals a...
Sponsored Content
Letting agencies face the dual challenge of keeping both landlords...
In an industry where compliance and client money handling are...
PropTech provider Reapit will announce the latest enhancement to its...

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here