Weston Focus

News for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward from local councillors Mike Bell and Robert Payne : serving you on North Somerset Council and Weston-super-Mare Town Council Learn more

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Victory for tenants rights!

by mikebell on 4 December, 2018

After pressure from Liberal Democrat Peers and housing organisation, the Government have announced major concessions on the Tenant Fees Bill.

The amendments will significantly limit the fees that could be charged to a tenant by their landlord or lettings agent, require a greater amount of transparency when deciding not to refund a holding deposit, and limit the maximum security deposit a landlord can require to five weeks rent.

Weston-super-Mare Central Ward Councillor Mike Bell said: “There has been great work by Shelter, Citizens Advice and Generation Rent to try to improve the Bill and get stronger protections for tenants. Many of the provisions in the Tenant Fees Bill were proposed in the previous session of Parliament by Lib Dem Peer Olly Grender, in her Renters’ Rights Private Members’ Bill.

“It is the vulnerable in our society who are most affected by the extortionate fees imposed by landlords and lettings agencies. The inability to pay these fees upfront can often lead to homelessness.

“It is good news that the Government has listened to suggestions to improve this Bill. The task now is to get this change for tenants through as quickly as possible.”

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