05/02/2010 - Website to let tenants post views
A new website is being set up by the Government to allow tenants to post their feedback on their landlords and the property they have rented.
It will be along the lines of travel website TripAdvisor and is among a host of new measures aimed at improving the private rented sector.
A new housing hotline offering advice to people having problems with their landlords is also expected to be operational this summer.
Tougher regulations are being planned to stamp out rogue letting agents, while proposals put forward in Parliament will make written agreements for tenancies a legal requirement.
Additionally, tenants will have access to a new National Landlord Register where they can check how well prospective landlords maintain their properties and how quickly they fix faults with it.
Housing Minister John Healey said: "Over three million families live in private rented housing and while the majority of tenants say they're happy with their homes and landlords, many do face problems with their landlord and should have better help and protection on hand.
"Every tenant should be confident in their decision to rent as well as be clear what to expect before they sign on the dotted line."
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