MP Faisal Rashid has been to Westminster to support the Homes Fit for Human Habitation Bill, which will help to improve property conditions for renters in both social housing and the private rented sector.
The Bill is designed to empower tenants, in both private and social housing, by giving them a route to take their landlord to court where the property is not fit for habitation.
It also modernises habitation requirements to enforce better standards in renting. The updated ‘fitness standard’ includes issues not currently covered by a landlord’s legal repair responsibilities, including some instances of damp and infestation of rodents, insects, bed bugs.
After the debate, Faisal said: “I am delighted that this Bill has now passed its third reading. It is a vitally important piece of legislation, especially as there are now more individuals and families in the U.K. renting than ever before.
“Since becoming an MP, I have been dismayed by the number of constituents who have contacted me with housing issues. Some of my constituents have been left without central heating for up to 6 months, and others have faced serious fly and rat infestations. I am pleased that they will soon be empowered to hold rogue landlords to account.
“It is utterly dreadful that it has taken a tragedy as serious as the Grenfell Tower Fire to throw into sharp focus on the issue of unsafe rented accommodation in this country – but I am pleased these vital conversations are finally being had.
“I hope the passage of this Bill will encourage the minority of landlords who will be affected to clean up their act and fulfil their duty to provide habitable homes to their tenants.”
