MP vows to tighten tenancy laws

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A Labour MP is to introduce a parliamentary bill offering greater protection for tenants whose landlords' properties are repossessed.

Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, came first in last week's ballot to bring in private members' bills.

He said he would propose a law to ensure tenants get at least two months' notice if their home is repossessed by their landlord's lender.

Currently people can be evicted with only a few days' notice.

This is the case even if they have kept up to date with rental payments.

'Relatively simple'

In some cases, if the landlord has not informed their lender that they are renting out the property, tenants may not be aware of the situation until a court summons is received or the bailiffs arrive.

Government figures suggest up to 3,000 people could have been affected by the problem this year, although groups such as Citizens Advice suggest the figure may be much higher.

Mr Iddon's bill will be given parliamentary time on 29 January.

He said he had received hundreds of letters and thousands of emails of suggestions since the private members' bill draw.

Mr Iddon said: "I wanted to take forward The Protection of Private Tenants (Mortgage Repossession) Bill because I believe in protecting people who may lose their home through no fault of their own.

"Given the limited time available in this truncated parliamentary session, I am keen to bring in a Bill that is relatively simple and that will command widespread support in the House."

The government was criticised for failing to include measures to protect tenants in the Financial Services Bill in last month's Queen's Speech.

Ministers had previously said they would change the law to give the courts the power to delay repossessions until tenants have been given a two-month notice period.

Housing Minister John Healey said: "I welcome Brian Iddon's decision to use his bill to close the gap in legal protections for tenants whose landlords face repossession and I will work with him closely on this important legislation."

The announcement was welcomed by Crisis, Citizens Advice, Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing.