Teresa calls for a fairer deal for renters in Erith & Thamesmead

Teresa has backed Labour plans for a better deal for those renting their homes privately.

In an Opposition Day debate in the House of Commons earlier this week, Teresa called on the Government to stand up for generation rent by backing reform plans in a vote in Parliament.

Sadly the reform plans were defeated. There were 226 votes in favour and 276 votes against. If reforms to the private rented sector had been agreed, they would have given the nine million people who rent greater stability.

Reforms proposed included three year tenancies with a ceiling on rent increases, giving families greater security and certainty. They also called for the banning of letting agent fees charged to tenants in order to make renting more affordable.  

Teresa said:

“Families who are renting in Erith & Thamesmead are often worried about the possibility that their rent could jump up by a big amount from one year to the next. They want to be able to settle down, put down roots, and have peace of mind. Families need the security of a longer tenancy and predictable rents to stop excessive rises so that they can manage tight family finances and plan ahead.

 

If you buy your home, most estate agents will not charge you fees, but people in Erith & Thamesmead who rent are given no protection, and they get charged £350 on average. That’s a lot of money for a lot of people, and that’s why Labour will legislate to ban these rip-off charges by letting agents.

 

I am glad that my party has pledged to act to ban letting agents’ fees for tenants, and will legislate to make three year tenancies with predictable rents the standard in the private rented sector to give people who rent the certainty they need.  I am just sorry that all MPs did not back the proposals now.”

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