Alex Chalk is supporting plans to scrap letting fees for tenants. The Cheltenham MP spoke out in Parliament when backing the Tenant Fees Bill in the House of Commons on Monday (21 May 2018)

The Bill introduces new protections which will help millions of renters. It will end costly upfront payments and hidden charges such as letting fees and excessive deposits. If approved the measures should save tenants around £240 million a year, according to the Government's own figures.

Alex Chalk explained: "Raising enough money for a deposit, letting fees and all the associated hidden costs can be a real challenge, especially for young people. The Government's figures reveal that renters currently pay an average £200-£300 in letting fees per tenancy. For many here in Cheltenham it is significantly more.

"I'm supporting this Bill because the housing market must work for everyone. Tenants should only be required to pay their rent alongside a refundable deposit. This Bill will mean tenants are no longer hit by surprise fees they may struggle to afford."

"If approved, the Bill will make renting more affordable. It will work with the new rogue landlord database, the banning orders for rogue landlords and property agents and the new code of practice to regulate the letting and managing agents sector.''