With the much-anticipated review by Sir Christopher Kelly of MPs’ expenses about to be revealed, the National Landlords Association (NLA) has thrown its hat into the ring.
Kelly is expected to recommend that MPs rent their second homes so the NLA has published its top tips for renting politicians.
• Research, research, research: Don’t rush into picking the first property you see; make sure you’ve done your homework.
• Down on paper: always insist on a written tenancy agreement. This will clearly state when the rent money is due, how much deposit, how long the tenancy is for and how to terminate the agreement.
• Safe as houses: a deposit is protected under a government-authorised tenancy scheme. The landlord has 14 days to provide a copy of the protection certificate.
• Safety first: gas appliances must be checked annually by a registered engineer.
• It’s good to talk: you should stay in regular contact with the landlord.
“I am quite certain that many landlords would jump at the chance to let their property to MPs,” says NLA chairman David Salusbury. “It could well help to broaden MPs’ understanding of the contribution the modern private-rented sector makes to the country’s housing mix.”
Well, quite. The tips might seem obvious but given the scandal surrounding MPs expenses too many of our parliamentarians have been living in a parallel universe.
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Mmmm – MP’s renting accommodation – I wonder if any of them will share? If so, then the Govt will need to tread carefully in dealing with the options for managing control of Houses in Multiple Occupation. I seem to recall the National HMO Lobby arguing that it’s not just student houses that are a problem……..
Just imagine the harm to neighbours’ living conditions that could be caused by an unathorised change of use to an MP HMO – all the noisy guests at the incessant dinner parties, late night working on speeches and ministers’ papers, not to mention the comings and goings of ministerial cars, support staff and MP’s tax/expense/financial advisors. Must be a material change of use, surely?
I can imagine the London Mayor pondering a special LDF density policy right now to stop an overconcentration of MP HMOs in the capital.