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Updated Nov 28, 2018

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Proposed Housing Court to settle property disputes

A Government consultation has been launched on proposals that would establish a court where both tenants and landlords could seek justice.

The Housing Court would be a single path of redress.

The Government noted that despite most landlords being responsible owners, a number of tenants live in fear of being evicted at short notice or live in poor accommodation. Also despite most tenants being responsible, some landlords struggle to evict tenants, even when the correct procedures are followed.

As housing disputes are held in a number of different legal settings, the process can act as a deterrent for the most vulnerable seeking justice.

Housing Secretary, James Brokenshire said: "the proposals announced today will help ensure both tenants and landlords can access justice when they need it - creating a fair housing market that works for everyone."

Up for consideration is a proposal to reduce the need for multiple hearings in different courts, as well as issuing a new guidance to help tenants and landlords navigate their way through the legal system. This could provide landlords to offer longer, securer tenancies and make it easier for responsible landlords to regain possession of their property should they need to do so.

This is part of the £1 billion Reform Programme to build a justice system that is fair, straightforward and accessible to all. It aims to build on Government action to rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord.

David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), said that the Housing Court will "root out criminal landlords more quickly, give tenants better ability to enforce rights granted by new legislation on property fitness, and give greater confidence to landlords to offer longer tenancies."

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