Did you know that you can get free, impartial energy advice, tailored to your situation, from Energy Advice London, funded by the Mayor of London? And MP Matt Western would like to know what you think about council housing. There’s news of progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill; the campaign for Healthy Homes; and Asset Arrest, Laura Yuile’s exploration of how financialised housing affects us
Repossessions of mortgaged properties have increased this year. That’s not your problem unless it’s your home that’s being repossessed. It can happen, unfortunately, even if you pay the rent on time. And finding a new place to live is not easy.
So, it’s grim. But it’s not ALL grim. There’s also a portal to half an hour of magic in Enchanted Lands.
You might be glad to see a break clause in your tenancy agreement but remember that it works both ways; landlords can use them, too.
When an agent or a landlord collects your email address, they should provide you with a Privacy Notice. This is your “right to be informed”. It’s just one of your rights under the Data Protection Act 2018 . There are more but we know that not all landlords comply.
The Renters (Reform) Bill has been introduced. It includes measures to end evictions under section 21 but it’s not quite the Renters’ Reform Bill we were promised. And as government is also considering a new law to outlaw so-called “sex for rent”, we’re sharing an Action Alert from the English Collective of Prostitutes.
Your rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of your tenancy. Not unless there’s a rent review clause in the contract. Government has promised to outlaw rent review clauses and we’re looking forward to that day. Still.
Calling YOU to join the Renters’ Day of Action on 21 March.
Links to check that your deposit (it’s still your money) has been protected, with info on what to do if it hasn’t. News of an interesting job with Just Space and about new rules on showing photo ID to vote .
A change in the law means every landlord must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room of your home which contains a gas boiler or oil boiler. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, the Household Support Fund is there to help. And here’s another thing which makes a section 21 notice invalid
Housing underpins health, for good or ill. And the Healthy Homes Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 15 July. Championed by the Town and Country Planning Association and Lord Crisp, former Chief Executive of the NHS, the Bill establishes a benchmark for what we could and should have in new homes. But why wait? Local authorities could include many of the key elements in their planning codes now. This is vitally important to protect our health, wellbeing and safety. Find out more about the Healthy Homes Bill and PLEASE sign up to support the campaign
Carpet beetles are now the most common infestation in London. But who should pay for fumigation? News about the Renters’ Reform Bill and Grenfell #ForeverInOurHearts
Most of us are trying to reduce our energy costs. To do that, it helps to know where we’re spending most so here’s the cost of running 30 electrical items for one hour. Help might be available if you can’t pay the bills. There’s news of Just Space Community-Led Recovery Plan to construct the caring city we all want to live in and Campaign Against Empty Homes Manifesto for the Local Elections on 5th May.
