§ Keith VazTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what legal advice, in addition to that provided by the Citizens Advice Bureaux, is available to tenants whose landlord breaches the letting agreement. [90999]
§ Mr. McNultyTenants can seek legal advice from a solicitor in all legal matters. Advice is also available from community law services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Law Centres, or the local authority's housing advice centre.
§ Keith VazTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will establish an official body responsible for tenants' deposits and able to act as an authoritative third party in private letting contracts. [90997]
§ Mr. McNultyCurrently the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to intervene in the contractual relationship between private landlords and their tenants by legislating for a third party to intervene and adjudicate in their disputes. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has issued a consultation paper "Tenancy money: probity and protection", in which views were requested on whether to move to a mandatory system for the protection of tenancy deposits; and, if so, what arrangements should provide 165W for it. The deadline for responses is 28 February. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will consider whether and how to legislate in the light of responses received.