The Government has revealed that it will consider forcing landlords, freeholders and letting agents to allow tenants to install fibre broadband into rental properties.

This proposal was first promoted by broadband installation giant OpenReach last week, and an amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill to this effect was tabled by Baroness Janke.

Her amendment, which has been added as the Bill goes through the Lords, requires that landlords and agents cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ consent to install fibre broadband within a property and that they must respond to a request within 28 days.

The amendment has been enthusiastically backed by OpenReach CEO Clive Selley, who has commented that it’s odd that a tenant will have more rights to request a pet, but not faster broadband.

Essential

“It is not very 21st Century because great broadband is pretty much an essential these days but if the landlord isn’t interested or is a vacant landlord then the renter has no right to request and plumb the place with fibre,” he told The Yorkshire Post.

“We already have fibre being laid outside of blocks of flats and apartments. But we’ve been unable to get permission to get inside and finish the job.”

The Ministry of Housing has, unusually, responded to Selley’s comments, releasing a statement saying ministers were “determined to close the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to fast and reliable broadband, no matter where they live or work.

“Our Renters’ Rights Bill will transform the experience of private renting and we will respond to [Janke’s] amendment in due course, while we continue to work with operators, landowners, housing associations and local authorities on this important issue.”