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It is a busy morning for the UK’s business regulators: the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced not one but two studies on British housing.
The regulator has said it will look into concerns that housebuilders’ strategy of buying and holding of land may be anti-competitive, and concerns over the unfair treatment of tenants in the private rented sector.
Zero deposit schemes – concerns over pressure selling and undisclosed commissions by lettings agents.
Sham licences – some landlords are not recognising consumers’ rights under tenancies.
Onerous guarantee clauses – forcing tenants to come up with extensive evidence of assets.
Possible unlawful discrimination – including banning housing benefit claimants – the infamous “no-DSS” clause.
Fees charged on retirement housing.
