MP launching new bid to make rental accommodation ‘fit for human habitation’
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Labour MP Karen Buck is planning to reintroduce her Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill in Parliament today.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the move had been expected.
Buck, who represents Westminster North, originally introduced a Private Member’s Bill in 2015/2016 seeking to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to require that residential rented accommodation is provided and maintained in a state of fitness for human habitation.
Her Bill was talked out.
Labour then sought to reintroduce her proposals in the Housing and Planning Bill 2015/2016, but 312 MPs – almost entirely Conservatives – voted against, while 219 voted in favour.
The amendment would have placed a duty on landlords to ensure their homes were safe for human habitation when let, and kept so during the course of the tenancy.
However, David Cameron’s government said at the time that the requirement would place extra regulation and costs on landlords, and would push up rents. It said that local councils already had powers to deal with poor and unsafe accommodation, which it expected them to use.
David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords Association, said he welcomed the reintroduction of Buck’s Bill.
He said: “Tenants have a right to expect that homes are fit for habitation, and the vast majority of good landlords already provide this. This Bill therefore reinforces what landlords should already be doing.
“By providing a route to direct tenant enforcement of basic housing standards, the Bill will give a further opportunity to deal with the minority of landlords who have no place in the market.
“Current legislation often lets these criminals off the hook due to underfunded councils being unable to properly enforce it.
“We look forward to working with Ms Buck as the Bill is developed and considered in Parliament.”
We were really impressed by Kremer Signs and how quickly they could get our boards printed and delivered to our board movement providers. All the staff that we dealt with are extremely friendly. I worked closely with Ryan Little and Sam Collins - both very helpful and quick at responding. Thank you for your help - we are super happy with our boards from Kremer Signs.
Georgie Lower
Great customer service
The process of ordering boards for my company New Door Real Estate was so easy from the get go with Kremer Signs! I was kept informed every step of the way by Nick and Ryan and I really couldn't fault them. Great customer service and the quality of the boards is brilliant. We're really happy with them!
Danielle Murray
Delivered in great time
Just wanted to say a big thank you to Kremer Signs (especially Ryan Little) for getting me set up with my dream for sale signs. As a very new independent estate agent, I was reassured with the great customer service and the fact I was looked after from start to finish. Really happy with the finished product which was delivered in great time too. Thanks again, I will be back for more (hopefully soon)!
Holly Price
Great job on our first ever boards
Kremer did a great job on our first ever boards to be produced, so many comments already on how they stand our from the crowd. effortless process, special shout out to Ryan who always kept in contact and helped through out the process. Many Thanks
Daniel Dobson
Huge thank you to Kremer Signs!
Huge thank you to Kremer Signs! Ryan Little has been very responsive and helpful from start to finish. Boards arrived on time and have been a much better quality than our previous boards. This along with the excellent customer service is a win win!!! We hope to continue to work with Ryan and the team going forward. Thank you!
