{"id":48325,"date":"2014-10-03T10:55:39","date_gmt":"2014-10-03T10:55:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=db8b1e3384d43048ad51767e014893a3"},"modified":"2014-10-03T10:55:39","modified_gmt":"2014-10-03T10:55:39","slug":"press-release-brandon-lewis-welcomes-law-to-give-greater-protections-to-tenants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=48325","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Brandon Lewis welcomes law to give greater protections to tenants"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Housing Minister Brandon Lewis today (3 October 2014) welcomed new rules that require letting agents to join 1 of 3 redress schemes, to ensure tenants and leaseholders have a straightforward option to hold them to account.<\/p>\n

The vast majority of landlords and letting agents provide a good quality service to those looking for a home in the private rented sector. <\/p>\n

The redress schemes will help ensure standards are maintained and provide tenants with somewhere to go if they feel like they are getting a poor deal.<\/p>\n

The schemes run by The Property Ombudsman, Ombudsman Services Property and the Property Redress Scheme offer independent investigation into complaints about hidden fees or poor service. <\/p>\n

Where a complaint is upheld, tenants and leaseholders could receive compensation. <\/p>\n

The move is the latest in a wider drive to build a bigger, better private rented sector and give greater protection without introducing excessive regulation that would harm tenants, landlords and agents.<\/p>\n

The government is also introducing new legislation to require letting agents to publish a full tariff of their fees ensuring that tenants have full upfront knowledge of what they will be charged. <\/p>\n

Last month a new code of practice was published making clear the legal requirements of landlords and letting agents alike, leaving both in no doubt about their responsibilities to their tenants.<\/p>\n

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:<\/p>\n

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The vast majority of letting agents provide a good service, but in the small number of cases where people have complaints these should be addressed quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n

The redress schemes provide that safety net, and as well as help maintaining high standards across letting agencies, will give tenants the extra confidence that they are getting a fair deal.<\/p>\n

The redress schemes are another step in our drive to build a bigger better private rented sector putting power in the hands of tenants without harming the sector with excessive regulation and red tape.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The government has introduced other new measures to give tenants more confidence and provide clarity about their rights, including:<\/p>\n