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Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 November 2023. It was answered by Chris Philp (Conservative) on Friday, 24 November 2023 on behalf of the Home Office.

Tenants: Exploitation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance his Department has issued to the police on letting tenants living in a landlord's properties if that landlord has been convicted of exploiting another tenant.

Answer

Everyone should be able to feel safe in their home and the sexual exploitation of tenants has no place in our society. It is important that local authorities and the police work collaboratively to tackle this issue and take action against criminal landlords.

The Renters (Reform) Bill includes provisions which will help to drive out criminal behaviour. These include increased investigatory and enforcement powers to help local authorities crack down on criminal landlords, and amending the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 to provide local authorities with new powers to issue fines, as an alternative to prosecution, to those who illegally evict or harass tenants.

Furthermore, the Government launched a call for evidence on ‘sex-for-rent’ arrangements, which closed on 30 June. We are currently analysing the results and will provide a response in due course. There are existing criminal offences in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 that may address this practice and both the police and Crown Prosecution Service have produced guidance on it.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2174
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Women Landlords Tenants Exploitation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk