Liberal Democrat Councillors in Redcar are delighted that the Government is to ban letting agent fees to renters. This was announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Councillor Lisa Harding, who represents West Dyke ward, has been demanding greater rights for private sector tenants and recently put forward a motion to Redcar & Cleveland Council requesting support for the Renters’ Rights Bill. The bill is currently in the House of Lords and calls for a ban on letting fees for renters.

The bill is the work of Lib Dem Baroness Olly Grender and if passed would also:

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:

“I am pleased that the Government has listened to the Lib Dems and private sector renters. This measure needs to be brought in as soon as possible so that renting becomes more affordable and landlords can shop around for the best deal from an agent.

“But on its own it is simply not enough. Tenants need to know who the rogue landlords are, and we need compulsory electrical checks to ensure safe housing.”