MPs have today (19/1/18) voted in favour of a Bill which will allow tenants to sue landlords over poor housing.
The vote, which has taken the Bill a step closer to becoming implemented in UK law, follows an announcement made by Sajid Javid last week that he would support the proposal put forward by the Labour MP, Karen Buck.
He stated: “Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. Councils already have wide-ranging powers to crack down on the minority of landlords who rent out unsafe and substandard accommodation.
“However, public safety is paramount and I am determined to do everything possible to protect tenants. That is why Government will support new legislation that requires all landlords to ensure properties are safe and give tenants the right to take legal action if landlords fail in their duties.”
Backed by some landlord’s groups, the Bill seeks to alter the existing Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to require that residential rented accommodation is both maintained and provided in a state which is fit for human habitation.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation and Liability for Housing Standards) Bill was debated in Parliament earlier today, where MPs voted unanimously for it be passed. It now progresses to the Committee stage where it will undergo detailed examination.
