HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc337-8W
Mr. Hammond

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will allow retrospective effect to be given to registered rents in cases where the Rent Service has not registered the rent within a reasonable time from application. [154111]

Yvette Cooper

There are no time limits for rent registrations in the Rent Act 1977, and there are no plans to amend the Rent Act to permit retrospective rent increases after registration.

Mr. Hammond

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what targets he has set the Rent Service for the maximum time between application to register a rent and determination of that application. [154112]

Yvette Cooper

There is no maximum time set between receipt of a Fair Rent application and determination. However my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has set The Rent Service a target for Fair Rents of completing 87 per cent, within 40 working days of receipt.

Mr. Hammond

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what redress is available to landlords in respect of rental income lost because of unreasonable delays by the Rent Service in registering a rent. [154113]

Yvette Cooper

There are no time limits set for rent registrations in the 1977 Rent Act. The Rent Service works to a target of completing 87 per cent, of Fair Rent applications within 40 working days of receipt. It is unusual for significant delays to occur, but where they have, The Rent Service has diverted resources to redress the situation.