News
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has accused the Government of ‘bottling it’ on rental reforms, saying they do not go far enough.
Thursday 9th November 2017
He claimed that ministers had significantly watered down plans to cap deposits for tenants.
In the Queen’s Speech earlier this year, the Government said it would cap deposits at one month’s rent.
Yesterday, the cap was proposed at six weeks’ rent. However Khan said deposits should be capped at three weeks. He also said that letting agents should face much larger penalties than proposed. Khan said: “This government once again has proved it is all talk and no action when it comes to making it more affordable for those struggling to rent or buy a home.
“Ministers have bottled it on their commitment to reduce up-front deposits, which we know hit thousands of low-income Londoners the hardest.
“While I welcome the fact lettings agent fees paid by tenants look set to be finally banned – something I and others have called for over many years – the caps on deposits and holding deposits are almost meaningless and will do nothing to make renting more affordable for Londoners.
“Instead the Government should cap deposits at three weeks’ rent as I argued, raise the penalty for charging illegal fees to £30,000 or a criminal prosecution, and give local authorities extra funding to enforce these new penalties.”