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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Metro Bank is the latest lender to remove restrictions on letting to DSS tenants

Metro Bank has announced that it will no longer prevent buy-to-let landlords from letting property to tenants in receipt of benefits.

The move comes after other lenders caved in to mounting industry pressure in recent months by lifting restrictions on buy-to-let landlords renting to DSS tenants.

In October last year, NatWest’s lending practices came under attack after the bank told one landlord that she would either have to evict her tenant of two years or take her mortgage business elsewhere, after a blanket ban by the bank on benefit claimants.

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But now many renters could benefit from changes to mortgage rules announced by Metro Bank yesterday, following a roundtable at Downing Street.

This announcement is the latest pledge from the industry, including big names such as Rightmove and Zoopla, to end potentially discriminatory practices which deny private rented accommodation to those on benefits – such as ‘No DSS’ adverts.

“It’s encouraging that we’re already seeing positive changes being made in the industry, and we continue to encourage landlords and agents to consider tenants on an individual basis,” said Will Quince, minister for family support, housing and child maintenance.

 

As part of the government’s work against the stigma experienced by tenants on benefits, housing minister Heather Wheeler yesterday met with leading industry bodies and companies at Downing Street to work on a solution.

Leading firms in the industry joined Metro Bank and government at the event, coming together to improve access to the private rented sector.

Wheeler commented: “Regardless of financial circumstances, everyone should have the same opportunity when looking for a home and I have been determined to end the discrimination those on benefits face.

“The meeting was yet another step forward; marking an important shift in making the private rented sector fairer for all – and I am thrilled that Metro Bank have decided to join us in ending the stigma surrounding tenants on housing benefit.

“I am grateful to those companies for taking the time to discuss this issue, and look forward to us continuing to work together.”

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  • Mark Wilson

    With Landlords carrying the risk for non payment of rent in all circumstances what concession have the banks really made? Is this really news? I don't get it!

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    Rule number One for professional LLs,Dont take UC tenant.

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    • 12 June 2019 09:22 AM

    It won't make the slightest bit of difference.
    LL will just have one less excuse to not take on HB tenants.
    There are plenty of other reasons not to take them on.
    It is highly unlikely that Govt will remove the other valid excuses that LL have.
    Us LL live in hope.
    Next to stop insurance companies charging higher LL insurance premiums for HB tenants.



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    This isn’t news, a lot of drum banging. Landlords will be weighing up their odds after S21 has been “reformed” unless your properties are in an undesirable area why wouid you take HB risks when you can have a vetted professional tenant in with a rent guarantee.

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    We have been had by an anti private LL Non-Housing Organisation with Charity Status indeed, who took away our Deposits in 2007 based on a pack of lies when they alleged 40% of Deposits were withheld by LL’s, it later turned out that real figure was less than 2%, took away our wear & tear allowance, Brought in Deregulation Act & they are not elected representatives, forced in Right to Rent requirement & not fit for purpose / has since changed 6 times because of legal mistakes. It seems to me they installed a member of their team in May’s Government at No. 10 & wrote the Policy’s from with-in. Disgraceful to be allowed to do this, the best footballer is always in the Stands.

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    • 12 June 2019 10:31 AM

    Not being paranoid or anything but I do believe there is an anti-private LL cabal within the PTB.
    This tends to be the younger generation most of whom are members of GR.
    They bring their unjustified prejudices into Govt policy.
    It is they that are writing the ridiculous anti-private LL policies.
    I don't see there is much LL can do to prevent this.
    GR is has subverted Govt policy and are now operating the levers of power.

     
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    Sorry I meant How to Rent the phone changed it automatically. Right to Rent is just something else we have to deal with.

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    So we can't save our poorest no hopers time by saying No DSS. If we say No Smokers that's nearly the same thing and also stops the few working smokers from wasting everyone's time as well. Result!

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    Yes just say it. No Housing Benefits No UC No daily curry eaters, No Pets, No single Mums, No foreign Students without Tenancy Agreement terms rent paid All in Advance. No UK resident Tenant without a Working clean ref Guarantor. Keep it simple and Dont pay LA RIP Off fees , pay no more to Find a Tenant than say £150 to £200 regardless of rent. You secure the Deposit. You do Check Out you arrange Gas Cert Electric Cert and Inventory.

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