Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities written question – answered at on 28 September 2022.
Rachael Maskell
Labour/Co-operative, York Central
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the equity of requirements for prospective tenants to demonstrate a level income to landlords and letting agents that is significantly in excess of the monthly rent required.
Andrew Stephenson
Assistant Whip, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
The Government continues to encourage private rented sector landlords and letting agents to assess the suitability of potential and existing tenants on an individual basis.
A landlord or letting agent is free to carry out any affordability checks within the law as they deem appropriate before accepting a new tenant. This may include income requirements to ensure a sustainable tenancy for both parties.
Landlords can offer alternatives to high income-level affordability checks, including references, a guarantor, or rent in advance where appropriate.
A fair deal for renters remains a priority, and I am currently reviewing next steps following the publication of the White Paper “A Fairer Private Rented Sector” and will update Parliament in due course.
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