Government to review private rented sector

The government has launched an investigation into the private rented sector, which has boomed in recent years.

Relatively low interest rates and rising house prices have seen thousands of people become enter the buy-to-let market and become landlords over the last decade.

The announcement follows a recent report from the Citizen's Advice Bureau, which found that one in five tenants was unhappy with the quality of repairs carried out by their landlord.

At the same time, the report found that landlords also faced problems with difficult tenants.

"Most of us have rented a flat or house at some stage in our lives and the private rented sector is, at its best, a vital provider of good housing," said Yvette Cooper, the housing minister.

"But too few people are aware of their rights and responsibilities, either as tenants or landlords.

"We have seen a big increase in the private rented sector and particularly in buy to let. It is important we review the impact of this," she added.

Responding to the announcement, the National Landlords' Association (NLA) said: "The vast majority of landlords are professional business people who take their responsibilities to tenants very seriously."

The government review, which will be undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government, will seek to identify problems but also highlight examples of best practice.


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