London Councils has welcomed the measures set out in the government’s Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper.
Highlighting the capital’s severe housing pressures, the cross-party group particularly supports moves to ban unfair evictions and to apply the Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Regeneration, Housing & Planning, said:
“These reforms will undoubtedly be good news for London’s two million private renters.
“Boroughs are especially pleased by the inclusion of a ban on no-fault evictions. Too often we’ve seen Londoners turfed out of their homes for no good reason and made homeless. With 155,000 homeless Londoners – including 86,000 children – currently living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough, we hope this ban will improve stability for tenants and go some way to alleviating homelessness pressures in the capital.
“We will continue to push for action on addressing London’s severe housing crisis. Councils now need strong enforcement powers and resources to help ensure any changes in the law actually succeed in helping tenants and boosting standards in the private rented sector.
“With affordable accommodation in such short supply in the capital at a time when so many Londoners are struggling with the cost of living, we also hope the government will take further measures to help low-income tenants keep paying their rent and avoid becoming homeless.”