Why we existed
More people than ever have to rent their home from a private landlord, but the renting system is failing to meet their needs. Since 1989, when rent controls and security of tenure were abolished, rents have rocketed and conditions have plummeted. The two ‘escape routes’ from private renting – buying a home or renting one from a council or housing association – are no longer available to most people. The dysfunctional renting system causes homelessness, debt, poor health, poverty and insecurity but private landlords profit from it.
Renters often feel powerless, but this is changing. Renters are arming themselves with knowledge, speaking out about their experiences and calling for a fairer renting system. We shared information with renters about their rights, and we campaigned for more of them. Because a privately rented room or flat or house is not a landlord’s cash cow; it’s a renter’s home.
Introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act gives private renters much improved security of tenure. Also, with clearly-defined time frames for repair and improved access to redress, it’s a huge step forward.
What we still want
We believe that all privately rented homes should be decent, secure and affordable, and we think authorities should intervene when they’re not. While high housing costs compromise renters’ access to the basic needs, there’s still work to be done. We want every private renter in London to stand up for their rights, we want authorities and landlords to listen when they do.
We’re not the only people who think this way. There are thousand of people campaigning for a fairer private rented sector, whether they’re doing it at local, city-wide or national level.
How we worked
We helped people who rent their home from a private landlord to be heard by those who can change things for the better. We also worked with London councils, finding ways to help improve their offer to people living in privately rented accommodation.
Renters’ Rights London was a managed by, and based in, the office of Camden Federation of Private Tenants, a local council-funded group for private renters in Camden.
We gave renters in London the tools and knowledge they need to challenge unfair treatment from their landlords, and to campaign locally, in their boroughs or London-wide, for fairer renting.