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

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that registered providers communicate any new guidance affecting shared owners subletting as a result of the building safety problems arising following the Grenfell Tower fire proactively and in a timely manner.

The Government has considered the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill on affected housing sectors. The Bill contains measures to ensure the shared ownership model can continue to function, by excluding it from the assured tenancy regime to prevent shared owners from losing possession for rent arrears.

Regarding subletting requests, the Government’s guidance is clear. For properties affected by building safety issues, requests from shared owners to sub-let, including up to a market rent, should always be accepted by registered providers of social housing in England. Where required, the shared owner may also need permission from the mortgage lender and/or the building’s freeholder.

We are discussing with stakeholders their concerns about situations where shared owners are unable to sell their property due to building safety issues and are subletting. We will ensure that the implications of the Renters’ Rights Bill for shared owners, who are subletting properties affected by building safety issues, are communicated clearly through guidance.