Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to require landlords and managing agents to pay automatic compensation to tenants when overcharging occurs.

Since 2014, all letting and managing agents in England have been required by law to be members of one of two mandatory agent redress schemes. These schemes already have statutory powers to require agents to pay compensation in circumstances where their actions or behaviours fall short of a fair and reasonable standard. These services are independent and free for tenants to use.

Through provisions in the Renters’ Rights Bill, currently before Parliament, the government will establish a new Private Landlord Ombudsman Service. This will similarly empower tenants to seek redress – including compensation – in relation to their landlord’s behaviour or actions.