Tenants set to get the right to a three-year lease so they can’t be thrown out of home by their landlord
The Government is planning new laws giving more protection to renters
RENTERS are set to get extra protection under new plans to allow them to stay in the same home for at least three years.
The Government today announced they're moving forwards with a proposal to introduce compulsory three-year contracts for most leases.
Ministers claim the move would give tenants more security and make it easier for couples to raise families even if they can't afford to buy a house.
The proposed new rules would also ban "revenge evictions" inflicted on tenants who complain about their landlords.
The average renter stays in the same home for four years - but the vast majority of contracts are for a year or less.
The Government's new plan would see most contracts extended to three years, with a break clause allowing tenants to leave early.
But there could be exemptions for some types of renter such as students, who are likely to move house more often.
Housing Secretary James Brokenshire today announced a public consultation into the proposed new laws.
He said: "It is deeply unfair when renters are forced to uproot their lives or find new schools for their children at short notice due to the terms of their rental contract.
"Being able to call your rental property your home is vital to putting down roots and building stronger communities.
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"That's why I am determined to act, bringing in longer tenancies which will bring benefits to tenants and landlords alike."
Labour called for the Government to go further by introducing rent controls which would ban landlords from increasing the amount tenants have to pay.
Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey said: "Any fresh help for renters is welcome but this latest promise is meaningless if landlords can still force tenants out by hiking up the rent."
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