There’s an increasing number of people who neither own their own home or qualify for council housing.  For them, private rented housing is a fact of life and frequently one that leaves them paying a large proportion of their income but living with the insecurity that they could be evicted in a matter of a few weeks.

Sadly, with our own housing emergency we have seen all too many local examples previously of people evicted and needing to seek temporary accommodation from the council.

That’s why I think Crawley Private Renters gaining greater rights and protections thanks to Labour is an extremely positive step.

The Renters’ Rights Bill – which delivers on the government’s promise to reform private rented housing and improve its quality – is set to transform the rental sector for Crawley’s 8,312 households who rent privately.

It will abolish Section 21 ’no-fault’ evictions, applying the changes to both existing and new tenancies at the same time, giving all tenants security as soon as possible.

There will be longer eviction notice periods and a longer eviction-free ‘protected period’ from the start of a tenancy.

Rental bidding wars will be banned. Landlords and letting agents will be legally required to publish an asking rent for their property – and banned from accepting any bids above this price.

Extra protections will also be introduced for tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases.

It will end rental discrimination for those on benefits or with children, protecting tenants from poor living conditions by extending Awaab’s Law to the private sector and introducing the Decent Homes Standard.

The last Conservative Government promised renters in Crawley they would ban no-fault evictions over five years ago – but disgracefully it never happened.

Everyone deserves the right to a safe and secure place to live – and that’s what Labour will deliver.

The Tories left this country broken – and getting this country back on track will take time – but Labour is taking action every day to fix the foundations of our country and this practical and valuable step towards that will give renters the recognition and protection they have long deserved.

Cllr Michael Jones

Leader, Crawley Borough Council