Government to introduce ‘hardship test’ before ev...

The new Labour government is to bring in so-called ‘hardship tests’ to make it tougher to evict tenants, a newspaper claims.

The Daily Telegraph says it understands Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook favours a test, currently used in France, which would be conducted before any attempt to remove a renter: the effect would be to make it effectively impossible to evict poorer tenants, the paper suggests.

It could mirror the French system where, since 2008, tenants facing eviction with no rehousing options are permitted to appeal their landlord’s decision under the Right to Housing Act.

In opposition Pennycook - then shadow Housing Minister - attempted to amend the ill-fated Renters Reform Bill to include a similar provision but it was not accepted by the then-Conservative government.

The Telegraph says the new government is also set to reinstate the policy of insisting landlords improve properties to reach a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of C.

This was originally a Tory government policy but was abandoned a year ago by Rishi Sunak.

The paper estimates that the cost of upgrading a property from the worst rating G to a C would be around £27,000.

Experts say spending just £10,000 would bring 90pc of D rated properties to C but just 60pc of E rated properties up to standard.

A spokesperson for the Government told the Telegraph: “The private rented sector is in desperate need of reform, and our Renters’ Rights Bill will make renting fairer for all.

“The energy shocks of recent years have also shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes so we can secure our energy independence and reduce fuel poverty.

“Responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants have nothing to fear from the sensible overhaul of private rented sector regulation we intend to implement.”