Private tenants, especially in London, have been exasperated by rising rents, rip-off agent fees and disgraceful living conditions in a property market where tenancy laws seem to favour the landlord. Now, however, little-known legislation has given tenants important powers to get up to 12 months’ rent back from unscrupulous landlords. The Housing and Planning Act […]
Understanding Universal Credit
Shocking stories heard at our older private tenants event
Much of the current narrative around the PRS focusses on “generation rent” and the problems they are experiencing, but as one of our members has previously said the focus should really be on “generations who rent”, and this is especially so given what some of our older residents have said below. Seeing these, makes our […]
Older (55+) private tenants event
There will be presentations about: Using the internet Help available to keep warm and well Using local resources such as community centres and libraries Sheltered housing Following these, there will then be an opportunity for you to discuss your worries/concerns, what you would like to see change in the private rented sector, and your experience […]
Autumn/Winter 2018
If you have lived in a shared rented property since 8th December 2015, Camden Council want to hear your views on landlord licensing.
They are reviewing their Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) additional licensing scheme which was introduced in 2015 and want to know what has worked well and what needs to be improved. HMOs are shared homes, including house and flat shares, student homes, bedsits and some buildings converted into flats, which are occupied by three or […]
Have your say on the government’s proposals for longer tenancies
Consultation description “The government is committed to increasing security for tenants in the private rented sector while balancing landlords’ needs to regain their properties when their circumstances change. This consultation invites view and comments on the benefits and barriers of landlords offering longer tenancies. We are also seeking views on our proposed model for a […]
Camden Council successfully prosecutes landlord for unlicensed HMO
A company and the manager of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Belsize Road, South Hampstead, have been hit with a hefty fine following legal proceedings brought by Camden Council. The manager of the property was found guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of numerous safety regulation breaches and fined £10,500, plus £3,000 costs. […]
Want to know who the criminal landlords in Camden are ?
The Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker operated by the Greater London Assembly currently contains information about private landlords and letting agents who have been prosecuted or fined by the London Boroughs of: Brent Camden Greenwich Islington Kingston Newham Southwark Sutton Waltham Forest Westminster The other London councils will be added as soon as possible. It also includes information […]
How to avoid fake landlord scams
Ideally, visit the property with the landlord and take a friend/friends with you Ask lots of questions about the property and the area it’s in (a genuine landlord should know the answers to these) Ask the landlord to verify their ID and to show you safety certificates such as for gas and electricity Research the […]
