Government announces rental sector review plans

23 2008
Housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper has announced that the government is to conduct a review into the UK's private rental accommodation sector.

At present, around 2.6 million properties in England and Wales are being occupied by tenants renting from some 500,000 landlords and the government is keen to gain an understanding of where improvements can be made.

The initiative comes on the back of a report published by the Citizens Advice Bureau last year which found than one in five of all tenants are unhappy with the quality of repairs carried out by their landlords, with many reluctant to complain to the relevant authorities due to possible repercussions.

"Most of us have rented a flat or house at some stage in our lives and the private rented sector is, at its best, a vital provider of good housing," Ms Cooper said.

"But too few people are aware of their rights and responsibilities, either as tenants or landlords. We have seen a big increase in the private rented sector and particularly in buy to let. It is important we review the impact of this."

In April last year, the government introduced its Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which has already been deemed a success by most observers.
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