Labour Party analysis finds poorly insulated homes are costing renters £750m per year in higher energy bills. The party has set out additional measures it says will benefit renters, including ending no-fault evictions, raising minimum energy efficiency standards, and giving tenants in mouldy homes new protections. The party also plans to end “rental bidding wars” and “massive upfront payments.”
Reacting to this, Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “The Labour party’s commitment to supporting renters is welcome. The process of reform cannot be held back by landlords’ vested interests any longer and the next government must stand up to people profiting from weak tenants’ rights.
“Banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions was a promise by all major parties at the 2019 election, which the government failed to deliver, so we’re pleased Labour has committed to doing this immediately. Ending Section 21 will empower tenants to raise complaints when needed and protect families from homelessness.
“Too many of us are forced out of our homes by unaffordable rent rises so any new protections must stop the free-for-all that allows landlords to push rents up faster than tenants’ wages. Labour has promised to enable tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases, but in order to do so must go further to slam the brakes on soaring rents, limiting increases to the lower of wage growth or inflation.
“Tenants looking for a new place to live can face horrendous exploitation, including being asked to bid against other renters for homes, or pay up to six months’ rent in one go to get hold of the keys. This makes it particularly hard for people on low incomes to secure a tenancy. Landlords and letting agents should be required to charge only the advertised rent, and just one month plus the deposit upfront.
“The commitment to raise minimum energy efficiency standards in privately rented homes to EPC Band C is an essential step towards lifting one in four private renters out of fuel poverty. Upgrading insulation and heating systems will also help counteract damp and mould problems that damage our health and belongings.”
