Renters Rights London

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Better client money protection; guidance on Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act and more…

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, struggling renters, a 5-minute survey, and news from The Foundling Museum

advice for London renters

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

If you’re living with the landlord; stop banks from discriminating against benefit recipients; Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

renters rights london

If you’re seeking Seasonal good cheer, scroll straight to the end, for the latest news on Karen Buck’s excellent Private Members’ Bill. But after that, please show goodwill to all, by signing the government petition started by a landlord who understands our human right to housing. If you share your home with your landlord Renting… Read More »

Damp Nation; Ruinous Renting; Councils’ Powers; #ReinventYourRent

Back in September, we asked you to let us know of any ethical letting agents (because a renter had asked us). Disappointingly, not one person had anything to tell Renters’ Rights London in this regard. Since then, we’ve learnt of the Ethical Landlords’ Association. Based in Birmingham but with members nationwide, the Ethical Landlords’ Association is… Read More »

Electricity Bills & Energy Performance; Fitness for Human Habitation; Sub-Let Nightmare

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

renters rights london

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 Renters' Rights London

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

renters rights london

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.