The Mayor of London has opened a three-year funding programme to help private tenants understand and exercise their rights under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Most of Sir Sadiq Khan’s £400,000 Renters’ Rights Enforcement Fund will be awarded to up to two frontline organisations providing free advice and support across the capital.
The remaining funding will pay for training to help council officers use their new enforcement powers and take action against landlords who breach the rules.
The programme is intended to support renters facing problems including dangerous conditions, disputed rent increases and landlords failing to meet their legal responsibilities.
TENANT GROUPS TO RECEIVE FUNDING
Approximately 2.7 million Londoners live in privately rented accommodation.
City Hall says the new funding will help ensure tenants know where to obtain assistance and feel able to raise concerns without fearing the loss of their home.
The programme follows the abolition of Section 21 evictions and wider reforms intended to provide tenants with greater security.
It also builds on existing work between City Hall and London boroughs to improve housing standards and enforcement across the private rented sector.
COUNCILS PREPARE TO USE NEW POWERS
Khan (main picture) says: “The Renters’ Rights Act is a game changer for tenants. It gives millions of renters stronger rights and greater security. But those rights will only make a difference if people know about them, can use them and have somewhere to go for help.
“That’s why I’m investing in organisations that will stand alongside renters, helping them challenge rogue landlords and get justice when their rights are ignored.
“At the same time, we’re making sure councils have the training they need to enforce the new law so that bad landlords face the consequences of breaking the rules.”
AWARENESS SEEN AS CRITICAL
Susie Dye, Housing Programme lead at Trust for London, says renters on low incomes have historically been reluctant to complain about poor conditions because of limited awareness or fear of eviction.
She adds: “The Act has at last weighed the scales in their favour, but we need to make sure people know about it. We welcome this funding, which will help those rights become a reality for many Londoners.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness at London Councils, says the funding will empower tenants while helping borough officers improve standards.
“It will also support borough enforcement by providing training to help councils protect tenants’ rights and improve housing conditions across the capital,” he adds.
