MPs call for new laws to govern private rented sector

A group of cross-party MPs has called for a new form of statutory regulation of the private rented sector.

In particular, the MPs are calling for guaranteed minimum standards for tenants, including safeguards against high rents and increased security of tenure – suggesting 24 months, not six.

In addition, it wants local councils to be encouraged to introduce accreditation schemes for private landlords.

The Housing Voice Alliance, led by Labour’s Lord Whitty, also wants the incorporation of Local Housing Allowance into the new Universal Credit to be delayed.

The Housing Voice Alliance is also calling for the housing minister to attend Cabinet and for a minimum of 250,000 new homes to be build each year for the next 20 years.