§ 10. Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from estate agents about the effects of the Rent Act on furnished lettings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy Department has received a number of representations from 478 estate agents about the effects of the Act. These were mainly concerned with lettings by temporarily absent owner-occupiers.
§ Dr. HampsonMy local estate agents tell me that since the passing of the Act 25 per cent. fewer lettings have been effected and that landlords are not wanting to relet furnished accommodation once it becomes vacant. Is the Minister aware that as a proportion furnished lettings have been steadily declining although the actual number of lettings has remained fairly constant? Does he accept that his Act will push down the numbers? When will he change this legislation? Instead of helping the situation, it is worsening it.
§ Mr. KaufmanMyths are growing up that are unsubstantiated by evidence about the reduction of the furnished housing market. One of the reasons for there being fewer advertisements for furnished accommodation is that security of tenure now exists in furnished accommodation. I must tell the hon. Gentleman that we have had no representations from estate agents along the lines he has put forward.
§ Mr. FlanneryDoes my hon. Friend agree that landlords as a group have never been great friends of tenants, and that the Conservative Party has always loved to desperation practically every landlord who has ever lived?
§ Mr. KaufmanThe scales remain on the eyes of Conservative Members when it comes to landlords but fall when it comes to tenants. There are good landlords but, unfortunately, there are too many bad landlords. Our legislation is intended to protect good tenants from bad landlords.