The Government has proposed a range of measures to offer practical help and increased protection for private tenants.  These include

• “A  new housing hotline offering free help and advice for private tenants

• A 'tripadvisor' style word-of-mouth website comparing landlords

• A requirement for written tenancy agreements in all tenancies that will strengthen the hand of tenants should they face a dispute

• Boosting the number of tenants protected under the most commonly used tenancy agreement

• A National Register for Landlords to help tenants make basic checks on their prospective landlords

• Better regulation of letting and managing agents, which will help tackle the rogue agents who can drag the reputation of the Private Rented Sector down.”

The government will now work with landlord and tenant groups to finalise the necessary legislation to bring these measures into force.

Source CLG press release 3rd Feb2010
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/housing/1455563