While the government plans scrapping the system of expropriation of empty homes that are the property of large owners, e.g. banks, it has four key measures. One will involve the transfer of public land to developers for building homes for rent and which they will manage. The rents, below the market price, will be set by the government. After a number of years to be determined, these homes would become part of the public housing stock - like VPO properties, therefore.
Other measures will entail adjustment of density indices to allow taller buildings, something that architects and developers have been crying out for; the conversion of commercial properties into housing; and resizing existing properties. This latter proposal would apply, for example, to apartments of 200 square metres. The government is of the view that these are not necessary because families are smaller than they once used to be. One apartment of this size could become three or four.
There will be regulatory changes for the development of co-living and co-housing, which would be of particular benefit for seasonal workers, while the government will also look to eliminate some of the bureaucracy related to building licences in backing up its planned measures.
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On the other hand, I see landlords making up "damages" for not returning the down payment. The tenant can't do anything, as the money to recover is less than a lawyer's fee. And many landlords know it and take advantage of it. Happened to me recently and was confirmed by others as well, including a lawyer...
Charles Dalrymple-ChumleyAbsolutely right. I don't know who gave you the thumbs down. The laws at present are completely ridiculous and leaves the owner utterly defenseless . So many people would be willing to rent out their properties for a normal rent provided that they would be protected from none compliant and abusive tenants or worse, squatters. I know what I am talking about. It is disgusting and hair raising having to pay the utilities, not receiving any rent and watching helplessly while your property gets trashed with the authorities defending the occupants and treating the owners like they are the criminals.
This is a good initiative and shows that the new Government is thinking in the right direction. But in order to release a great many empty private homes to would-be renters they have to repeal the extant law that currently supports squatters and those who over-stay their welcome on rental contracts. Do this and the rental market will be bountiful.