All the main parties have made manifesto pledges for renters, as part of their stated ambitions to address the deepening housing emergency. Whichever Party wins power on 12 December, renters must hold them to the promises they’ve made.
Now that we all know what ‘prorogation’ means, can we please take a moment to think about ‘disenfranchisement’? If your name is not on the electoral roll, you have disenfranchised yourself. But don’t worry; there’s a link to register to vote in here. There’s information about what to do if you need to end a fixed term tenancy early, as well. And if you live in Islington, the council is seeking your opinion of property licensing.
Things are really hotting up! Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched his blueprint for reform of the private rented sector on Friday, 19 July. We worked on the blueprint so hope you’ll agree that it’s good. Then, on Sunday 21 July, Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched the long-awaited consultation into what should replace Section 21 (‘no fault’ evictions). These brilliant events almost overshadowed news of another MHCLG consultation, into widening access to the government’s ‘Rogue Landlord Database’. There are links to all of those in here
The best news is that Renters’ Rights London has successfully secured continuation funding from Nationwide Foundation. This means that we can continue our work; helping renters to speak up for their rights, making sure that politicians, officers, and landlords attend to renters’ real needs. Good news, too, from Brent and from Lewisham. Both councils aim to expand local property licensing regimes, so that decent standards of accommodation are more widely met. To achieve the same ambition nationwide, Generation Rent are campaigning for a national landlords’ register—there’s a link to the petition within.
Tenant Fees Act Saturday 1 June felt wonderfully warm, as the Tenant Fees Act finally came into effect. If you’re looking for a new home now or in the future, and any agent attempts to charge you fees illegally, you should report it at once to the trading standards team of the local council. If… Read More »
When government bans ‘no fault evictions’ under section 21 of Housing Act 1988, what do you want from a tenancy? Help and advice with shared tenancy. How affordable is your rent?
New law states that letting agents must belong to a client money protection scheme. We’re meeting renters at Latin American House on Wednesday 3 April. Please tell all your renting friends, neighbours & co-workers with roots in Latin America to come along? Waltham Forest Council must re-apply for government permission to carry on property licensing. If you live there or nearby, please contribute to the consultation (link herein). And Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, would like to know what you think are the biggest issues in the private rented sector. There’s a link to that one, too.
Shared tenancies are popular with renters new to London, and those seeking flatmates who share a characteristic. But Renters’ Rights London receives more requests for help from people with joint tenancies than any other group. Flexible and zero hours work contracts bring their own problems; it’s very hard for many Londoners to calculate how much of their income will be spent on rent. We hope that you’ll participate in our survey on ‘Affordability’. It’s completely anonymous
2019 has already brought some good news for renters. The long-awaited end to liability for (most) letting agents’ fees will come into effect on 1 June. Also, Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated his support for rent control. Now, James Murray (Deputy Mayor for Housing) and Karen Buck MP are working to make it happen. And… Read More »
