14/05/2009 - Private landlords register planned
A national register could be set up that would require all private landlords in England to submit their details under new government proposals to protect tenants.
The move would mean that any landlords who failed to carry out essential repairs or protect tenants' deposits could then be struck off the register.
The Government is proposing a series of measures to drive out bad landlords and help protect the nearly three million people living in private rental accommodation.
Private sector letting agents, who do not currently need to have any professional credentials, could also be subject to full regulation.
Meanwhile, an improved complaints and redress procedure for tenants is planned, including a facility for people to register complaints about sub-standard landlords, which could lead to them being removed from the national register.
Housing minister Margaret Beckett said: "The proposals we've announced today will create a system that retains its attractiveness for those who choose not to buy, but also embraces greater professionalism without creating unnecessary burdens on landlords."
A consultation on the proposals is planned to run until the end of July.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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