Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 July 2014.

Landlord and Tenant Acts

Question: The Minister referred to the forthcoming right of every leaseholder, tenant and, indeed, landlord to take complaints—thanks, mostly, to this House—to a redress scheme. However, that will work only if people know about it and know which redress scheme to go to. Could the Minister outline what plans the Government have to notify tenants, landlords and leaseholders about this new right?

Answer: The noble Baroness is of course correct. We are looking to do that and to help leaseholders to feel more secure. On the right to be consulted about legal and service challenges, to extend a lease or buy the freehold, to take over management—subject to certain criteria—or seek an appointment from a tribunal and protection for service charges so that moneys are protected from creditors, we are working with practitioners in the field to ensure that such information is communicated effectively. We have talked about good landlords and bad landlords. It is important that good practice and good landlord practice is shared, and we encourage landlords to share information on the rights of leaseholders with their own leaseholders.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 755 c1521
Session: 2014-15
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Disclosure of information Leasehold Insurance Landlords Tenants Service charges
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk