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Labour has pledged to put bad landlords "out of business" as it launched a charter of renters’ rights.

The plans would offer more security to millions of tenants in Britain by introducing a legal requirement for landlords to complete an "property MOT" every year to ensure a home is up to scratch.

Owners of sub-standard properties would face tough fines and forced repayment of rent

Research by Labour claims that over 1.1 million households collectively pay over £10bn a year in rent to landlords letting out sub-standard homes.

The party said that nationally one in four private rented homes are classed as "non-decent", meaning they are damp, cold, in disrepair or unsafe to live in.

Jeremy Corbyn said: “Labour will be on the side of tenants and take on dodgy landlords who have been given free rein for too long.

“Real change means taking on those who exploit the housing crisis to charge eye-watering rents for substandard accommodation.

(Image: Getty Images)

The renters' charter will be based on three key rights Labour have saic, including the right to an affordable rented home, with rents capped at inflation nationally, powers for further controls for areas facing run-away rents and local housing allowance increased to cover the cost of renting

Currently, renters can be evicted with no reason.

Labour said they will introduce new open-ended or indefinite tenancies - which would let tenants leave after a period of notice, but would only allow evictions in very specific circumstances.

It means families couldn't be evicted on a whim, but landlords could still get rid of tenants if they don’t pay the rent, commit criminal behaviour in the property, or if the landlord is going to move back into the property themselves

John Healey, Labour's shadow housing secretary, said: "The power imbalance in the private rental market is at the heart of our housing crisis, with rents eating up too much of people's pay, tenants afraid of eviction if they report problems, and families with children forced to uproot their lives at short notice.

"Many landlords provide decent homes that tenants are happy with, but the Conservatives have gifted rogue landlords the freedom to flourish. Labour will put bad landlords out of business."

Housing charity Shelter welcomed the focus on renters' rights.

Chief Executive Polly Neate said: "For decades renters have had to live with the fear of eviction from their home if for no reason with damaging consequences, particularly for families with children and the elderly.

"This election marks a major step forward in the battle to secure basic protections for those who rent as Labour and the Conservatives have made clear that they will scrap this outrageous practice, and give renters the security and stability they deserve.

"The next government will need to act quickly and decisively to make this happen."

Responding to the plans, a Conservative Party spokesperson said: “Under the Conservatives we’ve banned unfair letting fees and will introduce plans to empower renters and give them greater peace of mind.

“Jeremy Corbyn’s plans have been widely condemned by housing experts and will hurt the renters they claim to want to help by hiking up rents."