The Law Commission was set to outline its controversial vision for the future of the rented sector at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Harrogate as Housing Today went to press.

Law Commissioner professor Martin Partington was expected to call for tenancy agreements to include all the information a tenant needs concerning their rights.

"Tenants often have a written agreement which does not actually fully represent their legal rights," Partington said. "We want the tenancy agreement to be the single source of agreement rights and obligations for the tenant and landlord.

"This will achieve a level playing field between all social landlords, will enable tenants and tenants advisors to know their rights and obligations and we hope it will keep some tenancy cases out of court that waste time and resources."

The commission wants to replace secure and assured tenancies with two similar types of tenancy. But the type that would apply to social landlords does not extend to Fair Rents or the right to buy.

The commission is consulting on the proposals, and hopes to issue a draft bill on the subject by July 2003.

Source

Housing Today