Housing Minister confirms ban on agent fees
The Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has confirmed that the consultation on the proposed ban on letting agent fees levied on tenants in England will launch, ‘in the Spring.’
In a letter to Labour MP Julie Elliott, Barwell said that the Government: ‘Is committed to building a strong and safe private rented sector, which provides security and stability for both tenants and landlords.’[1]
Competition
Continuing, Mr Barwell said 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.’[1]
In addition, Mr Barwell went on to say that the long-awaited Housing White Paper, announced at the end of February, presents the Government’s intention to promote fairness and transparency for leaseholders.
Housing Minister confirms ban on agent fees
‘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,’ Barwell added.[1]
Concluding, he stated: ‘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.’[1]
[1] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/3/minister-confirms-fee-ban-on-its-way-but-rental-sector-improving