Ministers to bring in ‘housing court’ to speed up settling tenant and landlord disputes
1 min read
Tenants and landlords could soon be able to settle their differences through a designated housing court, ministers have announced.
The new arrangement will save both sides from having to engage in expensive and long-running processes that could end up in county court, the High Court and magistrates’ court.
The rules will allow tenants to pursue claims against landlords providing sub-standard accommodation or who threaten eviction unjustly.
Likewise landlords will be able to ensure problem tenants are evicted from their properties with less hassle.
The Government's consultation on the issue is due to run until 22 January.
Publishing a call for evidence for it, Housing Secretary James Brokenshire said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home, and this government is bringing about real change in making renting more secure.
“This is particularly important for families and vulnerable tenants who live with the fear of suddenly being forced to move, or fear eviction if they complain about problems with their home”.
Residential Landlords Association’s David Smith said: “Improving and speeding up access to justice in this way would be good news for landlords and tenants.
“It will help root out criminal landlords more quickly, give tenants better ability to enforce rights granted by new legislation on property fitness, and give greater confidence to landlords to offer longer tenancies.”
