LABOUR presented legislation today that it said would protect private tenants from no-fault evictions.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner put forward the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill to MPs which she said would “transform” the private rented sector.

Tory pledges to do the same in the last parliament foundered under pressure from landlords.

Ms Rayner told MPs that many tenants were forced to live in “houses riddled with damp and mould but are too scared to complain.

“The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of an eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.

“We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future.”

Tenants will also be able to challenge unreasonable rent increases, while landlords will be obliged to offer properties at a declared rent, ending bidding wars for properties.

But Ms Rayner has refused to introduce full rent controls. 

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn said that in his London constituency “astronomical, unaffordable rents are driving working-class people out.”

The Bill hands councils new powers to crack down on rogue landlords and gives tenants the right to request keeping a pet, with landlords having no power to unreasonably refuse.

And it creates a new ombudsman service to resolve disputes, cutting back on the need to go though the courts.

The Renters’ Reform Coalition welcomed the Bill, but demanded longer protection for tenants from eviction for the first two years of a tenancy.