§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what redress is available to private tenants who at present pay combined rates and rent and who find that their landlords are not taking account of the abolition of domestic rates in April 1990.
§ Mr. ChopeRedress available to private tenants who at present pay combined rent and rates depends on the type and terms of the tenancy agreement they have. A substantial majority are covered by the Rent Act 1977 and can have a fair rent registered which will be exclusive of rates. Many new assured tenants under the Housing Act 1988 will have covered the issue in their tenancy agreements. Assured shorthold tenants, who make up a significant proportion of new tenants, have the right to apply to the rent assessment committee for a rates exclusive market rent to be registered during the initial fixed term of their tenancies. The Department will shortly be issuing a leaflet explaining the position.