An E Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is the legal minimum for every new or renewed tenancy. That’s very low, though. As one renter found out, even a D rating can lead to big bills, if you’re not careful. Are you careful enough to check the landlord’s details against Land Registry records before renting? Most people would say ‘no’ but we’re in touch with a renter who now knows why this matters. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill matters, too. And it’s now one step closer to passing into law.
About the right to unwind and the question of ethics
Recent advice to three renters who have asked for help with very different, unhappy situations, has been remarkably similar. Despite the varied circumstances, the remedy lies within The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which prohibit ‘unfair’ commercial practices.
Sub-letting; #EndDSSDiscrimination; new licensing schemes in Hackney & nationwide
News from the campaign to #EndDSSdiscrimination. Hackney renters in three Wards will be covered by a new licensing scheme from 1st October. Wherever you live in Greater London, if you share with four others who are not members of your family, licensing may very well apply at your address, too.
If you’re going away and thinking of sub-letting, or if you’re thinking of taking up the offer of a sub-let, please read on.
Hot Campaigns and Cool Invitations
UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence are seeking London renters for a focus group, and Which? want to know about your worst rental nightmares.
Please learn from the renters who paid no deposit but ‘first and last month’s rent’ before moving into their shared house. And London Renters’ Union is open to new members.
How to claim housing benefit without a written tenancy agreement, ‘How To Rent A Safe Home’ and more
Now that so many Londoners need housing benefit to keep the roof over their head, the question of how to claim without a written tenancy agreement often arises. We have the answer.
And an update on the campaign to end so-called ‘no fault’ evictions under S.21. Also, a link to the useful, new MHCLG guide ‘How To Rent A Safe Home’, with an invitation join Renters’ Rights London in Lewisham on Saturday 7th July, if you’re not going to Pride in London.
Campaign to end S21 evictions, build S21 Choir, participate in Mind’s research and more
With news of Tenant Fees Bill, a reminder that redress schemes really work, and an invitation to join us at the launch of Generation Rent’s campaign to end S21 evictions. Sergio, from s21 Choir, will be there, too. He’s long been conscious of the link between poor mental health and insecure housing, through the threat of… Read More »
Changes to Housing Benefit and to Gas Safety Rules; Database of Criminal—aka Rogue—Landlords +++
Do you know about changes to the gas safety rules? And about changes to the housing benefit component of Universal Credit? Did you know that EU and Commonwealth citizens can vote in local elections? To find out more about all that, about the database of criminal landlords and about CoCo2018, read on
Deductions from The Deposit. What Sort of Housing Do Older Renters Want? What’s #BetterRenting?
‘All good things must come to an end‘, the old saying goes, and where good, rented homes are concerned, the end is often when problems arise. Landlords and agents seem to believe that the property can be found in the same condition at the end of your tenancy as it was at the start. Anything less and they want to make to deductions from your deposit. There’s rarely proper consideration of what the… Read More »
Private Renters’ Charter for Tower Hamlets
On 29 June in Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets Private Renters’ Charter was officially launched by Mayor John Biggs and Cllr. Sirajul Islam, the Deputy Mayor, who is also Cabinet Member for Housing. This event was the culmination of at least six months work for Policy Officer, Marc Lancaster. Back in February, Marc invited Renters’ Rights… Read More »