The government is to create a new housing watchdog that will tackle rogue landlords over the state of home repairs.
The watchdog will have the power to resolve disagreements between tenants and landlords and also the ability to name and shame those who are carrying out dodgy repairs.
The new body will be able to adjudicate in any dispute involving a landlord or a builder involving, for example, broken boilers, damp walls and crumbling plaster work.
The government says this will provide a lifeline for millions of tenants who may be locked into rows with landlords over outstanding repairs.
‘Tenants have had to navigate multiple complaints procedures’
Now, an eight week consultation has been unveiled by housing secretary Sajid Javid and he said: “For too long tenants have had to navigate multiple complaints procedures so they can resolve disputes over every day household maintenance and repairs.
“Fixing our housing crisis is more than just building new homes; it's also ensuring that people have someone to turn to when something goes wrong.”
The government says that private landlords have no obligation to register under a complaints system which leaves tenants not knowing who to turn to for redress.
Now, the government's plan for an ombudsman will cover the entire housing market and will, they claim, produce higher standards.
Tenants and landlords want to cut out agents
Meanwhile, it has been claimed that tenants and landlords want to ditch agents ahead of the proposed letting fees ban.
The research from HomeRenter says landlords are unhappy with their agent’s poor service and fees.
The firm’s data also highlights that 87% of landlords say they would be happier to rent their property directly to a tenant rather than use a letting agent. Around half of landlords say their agent provided bad tenants.
Also, one in three landlords say they are unhappy about the general administration needed for a rental property as well as new tax rules.
The firm's chief executive, Will Handley, said: “There is dissatisfaction from tenants and landlords towards agents and the majority feel the service provision isn't up to scratch and prefer to cut out the middleman and connect privately.”
The firm's findings also highlight that 45% of tenants say they are happy to be renting and 42% say they are concerned about unreasonable lettings and having to chase the agent or landlord for maintenance and repairs.
