Question
Too often, constituents contact me about horrific behaviour from private landlords and lettings agencies. One lady told me recently that she had been left with broken heating for six months, and that, as a result, her daughter had developed pneumonia. Adding insult to injury, the lettings agency has continually refused to provide my constituent with her landlord’s contact details, in violation of the law. Will the Secretary of State set out what this Labour Government are doing to crack down on rogue landlords and lettings agencies that are totally failing in their responsibilities?
Answer
I am really sorry to learn that my hon. Friend’s constituents have been so badly treated by their landlord. Through our Renters’ Right Act 2025, we have strengthened the enforcement powers of local authorities in respect of relevant breaches and offences, and we are extending Awaab’s law and the decent homes standard to that sector. As the Secretary of State has just mentioned, we also intend to legislate to regulate property agents, including by requiring agents to obtain a licence to do the job and appropriate qualifications to operate.14% vibes
Verdict: GREEN (85/100)
The question asked what the department is doing to crack down on rogue landlords and letting agents, and the reply answers it directly. It names specific measures: stronger local authority enforcement powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, extending Awaab's law and the Decent Homes Standard to private rented housing, and legislating to license letting agents and require their qualifications. The reply does not give delivery dates or enforcement figures, but it answers the question as asked.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the department doing to crack down on rogue landlords and lettings agencies? | Addressed | Direct | The reply names concrete measures aimed at rogue landlords and agents: strengthened local authority enforcement powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, extending Awaab's law and the decent homes standard to the private rented sector, and legislating to license property agents and require their qualifications. Together these directly answer what the department is doing to crack down on rogue landlords and lettings agencies. |