Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if his Department will take steps to raise awareness among landlords of the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Act 2004.

We expect all landlords to understand and comply with their legal responsibilities and the majority do so, providing decent and well managed homes. We want to support these landlords and avoid placing unnecessary burdens on them. We encourage landlords to improve their knowledge and professionalism, including their understanding of their legal responsibilities, by becoming a member of a landlord accreditation scheme, such as those run by the landlord associations or many local authorities. In addition, we have published guidance for landlords on, for example, their responsibilities under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which was introduced by the Housing Act 2004. A small minority of landlords exploit their tenants, placing them in unsafe and unsuitable accommodation. The Government is determined to crack down on these rogue landlords who have no place in the sector.