It is good that they see the need for change but change has been occurring constantly for many years for what appears to be no result
Although there have been many changes (lots of changes) the major problem is that those changes have been orchestrated by " pen pushers" who basically have no concept off the market in which those changes have to operate
No business man will invest in a product unless they are guaranteed to make a profit, usually for the least amount of work
Tenants will not look after a home unless the l/lord also does the same
But the myriad of laws do not actually require landlords to maintain their properties
Tenants have very little recourse if the landlord refuse to fix anything and if they dare to withhold the rent or even if they pay it to a trustee it is automatically grounds for instant eviction
Basically in all forms of contracts if the buyer has grounds for a dispute they can withhold payment but for some reason tenants do not have the same right
On the other side if there is a dispute, landlords can wait for a long period (12 mths) before they can get a eviction
So at the basis of all this is the simple fact that we have badly written legislation with many ambiguous phrases and meanings which needs to be thrown out and replaced to reflect today's business world
Until then we will have constant problems and a decreasing number of private rental properties which as the Government is unwilling to help with supply, will mean worse and worse shortages for renters
