Martin Lewis welcomes 'long needed' rental ombudsman in new Renters’ Reform Bill

Private renters in England will be able to take complaints to a new ombudsman under plans outlined in the Government’s new 'Renters’ Reform Bill’. Responding to the news, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis said the change has been "long needed", though renters won't benefit from it just yet.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "We have long needed a statutory single private rental ombudsman, so I'm pleased to see it in the legislative plans. After all, disputes are often between two individuals – landlord and tenant – rather than companies, so it can be very personal and difficult to sort.

"Crucially, it won't be voluntary; all private landlords will be required to join the ombudsman and it will have the legal authority to compel apologies, take remedial action and pay compensation."

The new ombudsman will have powers to put things right, including compelling landlords to issue an apology, provide information, take remedial action and/or pay compensation of up to £25,000. Any landlords that don't sign up will face enforcement action.

The Bill includes other rental support such as a ban on 'no fault' evictions. For full details on all the major reforms, see MSE’s latest news story.

The new Bill needs to pass through Parliament before it can become law and this can be a lengthy process –though the Government says it plans to do so "at the earliest opportunity". For those that need help in the meantime, see MSE’s Rent a property guide for rights.

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