Scotland’s rental reforms: what can other nations learn?
NULL
Letting Agents are not the “servants of two masters”
Parliament’s scrutiny of the Tenant Fees Bill has exposed the common misconception that a letting agent works for both the landlord and the tenant. A letting agent is not, as David Cox, CEO of ARLA Propertymark had put it, “effectively the servant of two masters.” Letting agents typically act for only one side (usually, the landlord).
An agent’s role is to serve the interests of the person who appoints them. It is simply not possible to act loyally for two parties whose interests are at odds (e.g. when one side would rather receive higher rent and the other would rather pay less). To suggest otherwise is to contradict English statute and common law, the Property Ombudsman’s guidance, the forthcoming Tenant Fees Bill and even the Bible.
Our General Election campaign
Whatever way you look at it – this General Election is important. The next Government will be tackling the big issues of the day like Brexit, crime, protecting our NHS and fixing the housing crisis. At this election Generation Rent is getting stuck in.
What the next government can do to fix renting – Renter Manifesto 2019
Today we’ve joined up with renters and housing justice campaigners from across England to launch a national renter manifesto in time for the 2019 General Election.
Written by Generation Rent, London Renters Union, ACORN, New Economics Foundation, Renters’ Rights London and Tenants Union UK, the manifesto calls for radical reform of private renting and a transformation of the housing system – including the abolition of section 21 evictions, the introduction of rent controls and an end to discrimination of tenants on housing benefit.
Housing isn’t a priority for Boris Johnson. Here’s why it should be:
There was no mention of private renting in the Queen’s Speech today, but it would be a mistake for Boris Johnson’s government to overlook it.
Everything you need to know about the Tenant Fees Ban
After years of waiting, England’s Tenant Fees Ban is finally here. It means that letting agents and landlords won’t be able to charge extortionate fees when you move to a new home. Here are the top 6 things you need to know about the ban:
A register of landlords
Safe
A register of landlords
Fair – Make deposits affordable
Fair
Make deposits affordable
Safe Homes
What’s the problem?
One in seven private rented homes are unsafe. That could mean toxic levels of mould or faulty electrics causing a fire hazard. The Grenfell Fire is a horrifying reminder of what living in an unsafe home can really mean.
What can we do?
If your home is in disrepair and your landlord isn’t listening then you can ask your council to inspect your home or take your landlord to court to demand repairs. For lots of renters, this just isn’t realistic. Whether it’s lack of money or political will, councils aren’t enforcing safety standards in homes.
Generation Rent is holding councils to account. For the past two years, we’ve been asking councils to let us know how many ‘enforcement notices’ they have sent out to private landlords asking them to make repairs. You can see some of our data here and in The Guardian here
Our data show that only a handful of councils are reliably providing tenants with this protection. If councils aren’t routinely using their powers then tenants will continue to be cowed into silence.
Secure tenancies
Click here to sign our petition
What’s the problem?
Right now families in rented homes can be kicked out with just two months notice – without any valid reason. Some end up sharing a single room in temporary accommodation while others have to move miles away from their children’s schools. It’s unfair and its perfectly legal