Liberal Democrat Councillors in Redcar are demanding greater rights for private sector tenants.

Councillor Lisa Harding, who represents West Dyke ward, has put forward a motion to Redcar & Cleveland Council requesting support for the Renters’ Rights Bill. The bill is currently in the House of Lords.

The bill is the work of Lib Dem Baroness Olly Grender. If passed, it would:

• Ban letting fees for renters, a practice already outlawed in Scotland which is allowing letting agents to charge both the landlord and the tenant for services.
• Give renters access to an open register of rogue landlords and letting agents.
• Bring in compulsory electrical safety checks in rented homes.
• Prevent rogue landlords from obtaining an HMO licence.

Councillor Lisa Harding said:

“The private rented sector has an important role in helping to address housing need in our area.

“Whilst the majority of private landlords act fairly and take their responsibilities seriously, there is a persistent problem of rogue landlords who have little concern for the welfare of tenants and often fail to meet their legal obligations. This not only affects tenants, but has impacts on the wider community as a whole, as poorly maintained properties blight residential areas, leading in some cases to vermin and other anti-social issues.

“It is therefore vital that proper protections are put in place for tenants, ensuring that they have a home which is safe, clean and warm.”