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Thousands of people renting homes from "buy to let" landlords may get extra protection from eviction under plans today.
Housing Minister John Healey wants safeguards for tenants of dodgy landlords who leave them vulnerable to eviction with little notice.
The danger arises if the landlord fails to disclose to his mortgage lender that the property is being rented out, and so gets a lower interest rate.
But that means tenants' contracts are unenforceable if the property is repossessed. The Government estimates that up to 3,000 families will find themselves in such difficulties this year.
Mr Healey wants to change the law so they get two months' notice to quit. Launching a consultation he said: "It is wrong that through no fault of their own these families can find themselves out on the street with little prior warning.
"That's why I want to change the law to give new protection to those tenants who have no rights when the property is repossessed. This will give them much-needed breathing space.
"But I also want to see more lenders use alternatives to repossession, such as appointing Receivers of Rent to collect rent."
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Reader views (3)
Yep, its one thing to go into a rental agreement with both eyes open but another to have nothing to see.
Reasonable notice of eviction is fine, just don't let it become the boondoggle as in many states here in the US. A renter can squat for months or longer without paying rent. All under the guise of "fairness" and "hardship."
- Trunk, US, 09/08/2009 21:42
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As a landlord, I have always been aware that should I wish to terminate a tenants agreement - I have to give them 2 months notice - so why is this any different.
- Raminder Bhalla, Northolt, 07/08/2009 09:52
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Well done to Mr Healey if he gets the law changed to give innocent tenants the breathing space they need to find another property.
- Fred, London, 06/08/2009 12:12
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