The Government has unveiled the framework for a new landlord ombudsman that would allow tenants to pursue complaints against private landlords without having to go to court.

The proposed new regulations, which would form part of the landlord redress scheme, were set out during a House of Lords Grand Committee debate.

The service will resolve issues for tenants where their landlord has failed to address a legitimate complaint.”

Housing minister Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: “The service will resolve issues for tenants where their landlord has failed to address a legitimate complaint. It will provide impartial and fair resolution, giving tenants access to redress outside the court.”

She said the scheme would “close a key gap in housing redress”, giving private rented sector tenants access to protections already available in the social housing sector.

Binding decisions

The ombudsman would investigate disputes, issue binding decisions and could award compensation of up to £25,000. Tenants seeking larger awards, though, would still be able to take their case to court.

Taylor told peers: “Our intention is for the Housing Ombudsman Service, which currently delivers the social landlord redress, to operate this private landlord redress scheme too.”

She added: “The expectation is that, ultimately, a single organisation will administer redress across both private and social rented sectors.”

The regulations will not create a live scheme or require landlords to join. Ministers said further legislation will be needed before membership becomes mandatory and have not yet set a timetable for implementation.

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