Labour launches rental consultation

A consultation is being launched to find out what needs to be done to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation across the city.

High housing costs and a shortage of council and other social housing has seen 45% more people stuck in privately rented accommodation than in 2001. Almost a third of local housing stock is now privately rented.

Tenants are being asked for their views and experiences by Purna Sen, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Brighton Pavilion, who’s campaigning to address the issues facing Generation Rent.

The consultation responses will be shared with Emma Reynolds, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister and with Warren Morgan, the Leader of the Labour and Cooperative group.

Purna said: “Many landlords and letting agents are very good but some rogue landlords and agencies are not fulfilling their basic responsibilities to maintain properties and carry out repairs.

“Worryingly the recent Home Sweet Home campaign highlighted that some of the worst offenders seem to be letting agents accredited by the council, raising questions about the standards for accreditation and how seriously they are enforced.

“I want to hear from students, who have worked on the campaign already, but it is crucial that I hear also from families and workers who rent in the city.”

To comment EMAIL:

Or twitter at @Purna_Sen – using the hashtag #TenantsNeeds

The Labour party has pledged to reform the private rented sector to give tenants greater security, covering:

• Banning upfront fees charged to tenants by most letting agents which can be as high as £500; this can put additional pressure on tenants who already have to find a deposit and rent in advance.

• Making 3 year tenancies the standard for private sector lets, giving greater security – especially for families who often have to face the upheaval of change of school, for instance, when they move.

• Preventing landlords terminating contracts simply to put rents up. Tenants deserve predictable rents with an upper ceiling on rent increases to prevent excessive rent rises.