HC Deb 09 December 1958 vol 597 cc24-5W
66. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, what action he has taken to warn tenants of the effect of the Rent Act in destroying the tenant's right to enforce repairs against the landlord in all new tenancies entered into after the passage of the Act; and whether he will introduce fresh amending legislation to restore these tenants' rights.

Mr. H. Brooke

Any new letting of any house is normally free of control. The responsibility of landlord and tenant for repairs will therefore depend on the terms of the letting, and it is important that the tenant should understand his position before signing any agreement. If in doubt he should seek advice.

The position has been explained in the Press, on the B.B.C., and in reply to Questions in this House, and I shall continue to take opportunities for publicity that present themselves. But in my view this is properly a subject for agreement between the parties, not for legislation.