Consultation on banning tenant fees has finally been published this morning.
The Government’s long awaited consultation on banning tenant fees has finally been published this morning.
The proposals, first touted in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement five months ago in November, outline the controversial measures stopping lettings agents charging fees to tenants.
Housing minister Gavin Barwell said: “We’re determined to make all types of housing more affordable and secure for ordinary working people.
“Tenants should only be required to pay their rent alongside a refundable deposit and not face hidden fees.
“Our housing white paper sets out other ways we will help those renting, including building more homes for rent and providing longer, family friendly tenancies.”
The consultation applies only to England and lasts eight weeks.
Hammond had said in his Autumn Statement that a ban on letting agents fees will be introduced as soon as possible, but officials from the Department for Communities and Local Government later revealed legislation was unlikely until 2018.
Recent research by ARLA Propertymark found the most loyal tenants will be hit hardest by the changes, while a director of the trade body, Patrick Bullick, of STANLEY Chelsea, has called for opposition to the proposals to be dropped.