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New rules to protect tenants' rights |
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Friday, 07 September 2007 |
A two-pronged initiative to ensure private rented homes are kept in a decent state of repair by landlords was announced today.
A new Repairing Standard, which extends existing legal requirements,
will set the benchmark for what tenants can expect. For example, it
will mean that, for the first time, all private rented properties will
have to be fitted with smoke alarms.
Tenants who cannot agree with their landlord about whether or not the
standard is being met will be able to take their case to the Private
Rented Housing Panel. This new organisation will in most instances try
to resolve issues by mutual agreement or mediation, but it will have
the power to back this up with enforcement if necessary.
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "The introduction of the
Repairing Standard and the Private Rented Housing Panel represents a
significant step forward for tenants and landlords alike.
"Although the vast majority of landlords already maintain their
properties to the standards we all want to see - and which tenants
deserve - the new measures are aimed at making sure the minority of
'rogue landlords' meet their responsibilities.
"The Private Rented Housing Panel will be there as a point of recourse
for tenants when they think their properties don't measure up to the
Repairing Standard.
"It's designed to give tenants peace of mind, by ensuring all private
rented properties reach a certain standard. This is a vital step in
giving people confidence in the private rented sector. And that's good
for landlords too, as more people will see private renting as an
attractive option."
Kaliani Lyle, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, said that
she welcomed any move to drive up standards and bring clarity to what
can be expected from letting agreements, and to give tenants in private
rented accommodation more protection.
"Many problems brought to Citizens Advice Bureaux concern issues with
the management of the tenancy and the physical condition of the
property."
John Blackwood, director of the Scottish Association of Landlords,
said: "The Scottish Association of Landlords, in promoting good
landlord practice throughout Scotland, welcomes any initiative that
recognises the need to address the minority of landlords who fail to
maintain their properties in line with the basic legal requirement.
"Mediation is a proven route to offering both landlords and tenants an
opportunity to resolve their disputes in an informal and non
judgemental manner; which is a welcome alternative to the long and
costly process of court proceedings."
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