TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEME

Early day motion 843, tabled 5 March 2003 by Desmond Turner (Labour). Signed by 194 members.

That this House notes that the private rented sector accommodates about 10 per cent. of households in England, that 70 per cent. of the 2.21 million tenants in the sector have paid a deposit, that the average deposit is around ú510, that although most tenancies end without dispute, around 20 per cent. of households say that part or all of the deposit from their most recent tenancy was unreasonably withheld and that few private landlords have participated in the voluntary tenancy deposit schemes being piloted; believes that a nationwide mandatory scheme administered by the Independent Housing Ombudsman is the only way to safeguard deposits and guarantee prompt settlement of disputes; notes that the period of consultation on the Government's proposals ended on 28th February; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to include legislation for a nationwide mandatory Tenancy Deposit Scheme in its forthcoming Housing Bill.

Signatures by party: Labour 144, Liberal Democrat 25, Labour/Co-operative 16, Conservative 6, Plaid Cymru 3.