To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to seek powers to prevent the practice of charging rent premiums on assured shorthold tenancy renewals; and if he will make a statement. [81143]

We have no plans at present to seek powers to prevent the practice of some landlords and letting agents charging fees to renew assured shorthold tenancy agreements. However, we will keep the situation under review and if there is clear evidence that there is significant abuse, we will consider whether anything can be done to prevent excessive fees from being charged.