Government asks tenants if they want to see landlord contact details

The government has launched a survey of private tenants in which it asks them whether they would like to be given names and contact details of their landlords.

The spectre is raised in question 18 out of the 20 put to private renters in an online consultation, ahead of the government’s White Paper on rental reform to be issued this winter, 

Question 18 says:

What would you be interested in accessing?

• information about my landlord (eg, name, contact details);

• information about whether the landlord has any relevant conditions for housing offences;

• information about the safety standard of of the property (eg, gas safety);

• information about the energy efficiency of the property.

The survey was launched earlier this month by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and continues until November 17. 

It takes no more than 10 minutes to complete and asks tenants how they found their property, and then more detailed questions on what documentation they were given.

A covering note issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities says: “The survey is aimed at those with experience renting privately in England, or those who are considering renting privately in the near future.”

And elsewhere in the covering note, the Department reveals that the survey is part of the background work for the White Paper and possible Renters Reform Bill, scheduled for release over the winter.

The note continues: “In the Queen’s Speech, the Government committed to bringing forward reforms to drive improvements in standards in privately rented accommodation and supporting local authorities to conduct well targeted, effective enforcement that drives out criminal landlords. 

“As part of the Government’s commitment to explore the merits of a national landlord register, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are engaging with a range of stakeholders across the private rented sector.

“This survey will inform this work and help us to further understand the difficulties individuals face when renting, letting or enforcing property standards in the Private Rented Sector.”

You can see the survey for yourself here.

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