B P Collins Solicitors: talk to the experts
Gerrards Cross: +44(0) 1753 889995
Beaconsfield: +44(0) 1494 675363
Related stories
Selecting the right tenant 'is vital'
2 December 2008
Tenancy agreements 'need adaptation and explanation'
26 November 2008
Residential rents 'decreased in third quarter'
18 November 2008
Tenants 'get along with landlords'
17 November 2008
Tenants invited to get involved in housing regulatory board
10 June 2008
Tenants will be able to reward good practice and take action against poor landlords when the Tenant Services Authority is put into action at the end of the year, according to housing minister Caroline Flint.
Ms Flint has called for two social housing tenants to apply for two of the authority's four board positions.
Once the housing and regeneration bill has passed through parliament, the regulator will be able to identify landlords who are providing a good service and reward them with a reduction in routine inspections or the amount of paperwork.
It will also be able to demand action against landlords who provide a poor service, calling for compensation for tenants or a change in landlord.
Ms Flint said: "The new regulator will have wide ranging powers to affect change across the social housing sector and to ensure that the interests of tenants are protected."
Board members will be given a direct say on the regulation of social landlords, with clear standards so tenants and landlords know what level of service they should expect or provide.
The Department for Communities and Local Government also states that the housing and regeneration bill will also help deliver the commitments detailed in the Housing Green Paper to provide more and greener homes.
It also hopes to give tenants more choice and a voice over how their homes are managed.
