In response to a question from MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn on the government’s plans around rent levels and security of tenure, Shapps said that current legislation is intended to provide a balance between the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
He said there were no plans to change tenure arrangements in the sector and added: “Private rents are market led and, therefore, significantly driven by housing supply. Excessive regulation would drive up rents and reduce choice for tenants.
“Rent controls, historically, resulted in the size of the private rented sector shrinking from 55% of households in 1939 to just 8% in the late 1980s. Rent controls also meant that many landlords could not afford to improve or maintain their homes.”
Shapps added: “This government is committed to seeing a major increase in the supply of new homes where they are needed and wanted.”
