Government to publish code of practice for private rented sector

Pickles announced a range of measures to provide added protection to private tenants, including new regulations to be published "within days" to force letting and property management agents to join a compulsory redress scheme. Pickles said this would ensure that tenants’ complaints about hidden fees and poor service are investigated independently and that compensation is paid where a complaint is upheld.

The Government will publish a new code of practice setting standards for the management of property in the private rented sector, with a view to making it statutory to provide greater confidence for tenants in what they can expect.

Pickles said he would publish a draft of a new tenant’s charter to help tenants understand what they should expect from their rental deal and how they can take action if they are the victim of hidden fees or poor standards of accommodation.

Other measures announced include a mortgage lenders summit to consider how lenders can make it easier for landlords to offer longer tenancies and extra guidance for local councils on how better to protect tenants.

"The private rented market is a vital asset to this country," said Pickles. "It’s an important option for the millions of people who want a bit more flexibility, or to simply save up for a deposit so they can buy a place of their own."

"Today’s proposals will raise the quality and choice of rental accommodation, and sharpen the tools available to tenants and councils so we can root out the cowboys and rogue operators in the sector. These measures will also give tenants the know-how to demand longer-term tenancies that cut costs and meet their needs - and when things do go wrong, the confidence to take action without fear of eviction or harassment," he said.