Labour seeks unlimited fines against rogue landlords ahead of Commons votes
Exclusive: Party tables amendments to stop unscrupulous landlords ripping off tenants
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Labour is seeking to significantly increase the fines rogue landlords are forced to pay if they rip off tenants.
The party wants to amend draft laws to introduce tougher penalties on landlords and letting agents who charge tenants unfair fees.
MPs will today vote on a government bill to improve tenants' rights, but Labour says it does not go far enough.
The party has tabled a motion that would see unscrupulous landlords handed a £30,000 fine for first offences, and an unlimited fine for any further offences.
It said the money raised through the fines could help local councils step up efforts to clamp down on rogue landlords.
Labour tabled the two Commons amendments ahead of votes on the government’s Tenant Bees Bill, which bans landlords and letting agents from charging tenants fees.
The first would close a loophole that allows rogue landlords to charge tenants hundreds of pounds in fines if they breach their tenancy agreement.
The second would significantly increase fines that can be imposed, removing a proposed £5,000 cap on the amount landlords can be forced to pay.
Melanie Onn, Labour’s shadow housing minister, said: “Labour welcomes this long-awaited bill, but as it stands it will be a missed opportunity to ban unfair fees for good.
“Labour’s changes would ensure that landlords and agents cannot get around the bill by sneaking unfair fees into tenancy agreements and help make funding available to catch those who don’t play by the rules.
“Labour is committed to providing a new deal for the 4.7 million households who rent in England. Only with our amendments will this legislation lives up to its objectives.”
Under the government's proposed penalties, landlords and letting agents would only be fined up to £5,000 if they are found to have imposed unfair charges on tenants. And, even if they are found to be in breach of the legislation, they could still have the right to tenants hundreds of pounds in fees if they move out.
The Tenant Fees Bill aims to strengthen renters rights' and clamp down on rogue landlords, including by making it illegal to charge tenants fees. Housing charities have welcomed the changes but warned that they could be "undermined" by provisions that continue to allow landlords to charge tenants excessive fees if they default on their tenancy agreement.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments