This idea has been created by the Scrutinise team as a historical case study. It represents real legislation that reached the statute book through civil society advocacy. It is presented here to show how that process might have looked on Scrutinise.
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Made landlords legally responsible for keeping rented homes fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy. Karen Buck MP introduced this as a Private Member's Bill after four previous attempts. Shelter provided the evidence base and campaign support.
Summary
Made landlords legally responsible for keeping rented homes fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy. Karen Buck MP introduced this as a Private Member's Bill after four previous attempts. Shelter provided the evidence base and campaign support.
Challenge (summary)
Landlords had no general legal obligation to maintain properties fit for habitation during a tenancy. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 required fitness at the start but not throughout. Thousands of renters lived in damp, mouldy, or structurally unsafe homes with no legal remedy.
Approach (summary)
Amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to impose an implied covenant that properties must be fit for human habitation at the start and throughout the tenancy, enforceable by tenants in the courts.
First step (summary)
Karen Buck to introduce a Private Member's Bill amending section 8 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Shelter to provide evidence to the Bill committee. Government to confirm non-opposition after the fifth attempt.