VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Private Rented Housing: Tenants' Rights

Asked by Paula BarkerLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 17 October 2024UIN 8915

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing private rented sector tenants' protections and rights of redress against (a) landlords and (b) letting agencies under private rented sector deposit protection schemes.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) schemes play a vital role in protecting tenant deposits and providing free alternative dispute resolution, should a deposit dispute arise at the end of a tenancy. TDP providers are appointed as authorised schemes through government concession contracts.

My department is responsible for managing these contracts and monitoring schemes’ performance. The contracts are due to expire in 2026, and as part of the re-procurement we will be reviewing the current system and exploring what improvements can be made to ensure the best possible service for tenants and landlords.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim