A pre-legislation scrutiny of the impending fees ban is to be carried out by the Communities and Local Government select committee.

The committee will hold oral evidence sessions in the New Year, with contributions from tenants, letting agents, landlord associations and Trading Standards.

The sessions will be held in tandem with the sessions for the committee’s existing inquiry into the private rented sector.

The publication of the draft Tenant Fees Bill followed a public consultation.

The committee will take into account the responses to that consultation.

However, it is also inviting written evidence on aspects of the draft Tenant Fees Bill which seem to go beyond the scope of the Government’s consultation.

Written submissions must be received by December 14, and should address the following points:

• The Government’s stated objective is to deliver “a fairer, more competitive and more affordable lettings market where tenants have greater clarity and control over what they will pay and where the landlord is the primary customer of the letting agent”. Do the provisions of the Draft Bill enable this objective to be achieved?
• Are the draft Bill’s provisions necessary, clear and workable?
• What are the resource implications for local authorities?
• What is the likely impact of the legislation on key stakeholders including tenants, letting agents and landlords?

ARLA Propertymark is urging all members to engage in dialogue with their local MP.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/communities-and-local-government-committee/news-parliament-2017/tenant-fees-launch-17-19/