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Private rented sector to be focus of independent review

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT News Release (014) issued by The Government News Network on 23 January 2008

A major review to improve the private rented sector was today announced by Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.

With almost 2.6 million homes in England being rented from over half a million private landlords, Yvette Cooper has commissioned an independent review to look at what problems tenants and landlords face and what works well in the sector.

A Citizens Advice Bureau report last year found 1 in 5 tenants were dissatisfied with the quality of repairs carried out by their landlord and feared retaliatory action if they complained to authorities. On the other hand, landlords can face problems with poor tenants not paying rent and anti-social behaviour.

The review will look how the increasing number of buy to let accommodation and student tenants has impacted on the private rented sector, the quality of homes and who the users of the sector are. It will also examine the impact of demographic and social change on the future demand and supply in the sector.

The Government has already introduced positive legislation such as Tenancy Deposit Protection and action on houses of multiple occupation. The Government will consider the reviews recommendations to see what else can be done to improve the sector for both landlords and tenants.
Julie Rugg and David Rhodes from the Centre for Housing Policy at York University will head the review.

Yvette Cooper said:
"Most of us have rented a flat or house at some stage in our lives and the private rented sector is, at its best, a vital provider of good housing. But too few people are aware of their rights and responsibilities, either as tenants or landlords. We have seen a big increase in the private rented sector and particularly in buy to let. It is important we review the impact of this.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie Rugg and David Rhodes for taking on this important role and look forward to their final report towards the end of the year."

Julie Rugg said:

"Many people experience renting privately at some point in their lives, but private renting as a sector isn't well understood. This is a good time for a review."

Julie Rugg and David Rhodes start work immediately and will deliver their final report by the end of October.

Notes to Editors
1. This review will complement and should be seen in the context of the two recent reviews of social housing - its role and its regulation - conducted last year by Prof John Hills and Prof Martin Cave respectively, the conclusions of which had implications for the private rented sector.

2. Julie Rugg joined the Centre for Housing Policy in January 1993. She has completed work including qualitative research on young people's housing biographies, housing benefit and its impact on claimant and landlord behaviour, and aspects of the private rented sector.

3. David Rhodes ran the University of York Rent Index for a number of years. The Index included open market information for England, Scotland and Wales, and has been published on a regular basis.

4. More information including the headline Terms of Reference can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/doc/672051

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