Rachel Reeves ‘warned by 2 different estate agents she needed rental licence’ | UK | News
A second real estate agent informed Rachel Reeves that a license was required before renting her family’s home. The Chancellor has faced significant criticism after it was revealed that his south London property was being rented out for around £3,200 a month without the necessary consent and apparently in breach of property law.
He initially told Sir Keir Starmer he was unaware a license was needed. But further email correspondence later emerged suggesting that her husband had discussed licensing requirements with the rental firm that managed the property. The new revelation that Ms Reeves was advised by a second firm adds further doubt to the Chancellor’s earlier claim to the Prime Minister that he had no knowledge of licensing rules; because the issue seems to be emphasized by two different rental institutions.
According to The Mail on Sunday, Harvey & Wheeler, Ms Reeves and her husband first contacted estate agent Knight Frank about letting the property before working with letting agents and were informed that a license would be required at this stage.
A Knight Frank spokesman said on Saturday night that it was “standard procedure” to inform customers of their regulatory and legal obligations when renting a property.
Sir Keir Starmer has previously criticized his chancellor for failing to review correspondence with the lettings firm, later claiming he was unaware of the licensing issue but suggesting there was no need for additional disciplinary steps. This was confirmed by Sir Keir’s independent adviser on Ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, who said there was “no evidence of bad faith”.
In a letter published on Thursday night, the prime minister said correspondence Ms Reeves later shared showed her husband had been assured by the couple’s estate agents that they would “apply for a license in his name”.
But following the latest on Knight Frank’s recommendations, the Conservatives are now demanding new action.
Shadow Treasurer Gareth Davies said: “There are new questions every day about Rachel Reeves’ account. This latest revelation casts serious doubt on her claim that she was unaware of the need for a licence. “Her story appears to change with each revelation.
“The Prime Minister must now get to the bottom of this matter and order a thorough investigation without delay.”
Ms. Reeves submitted her license application on Friday. According to the regulations, not having the required license may constitute a crime. Possible penalties include an unlimited fine if prosecuted, a fine of up to £30,000 or an order requiring repayment of one year’s rental income; this could amount to around £38,000 in his case.
