Earlier this year, the Renters' Reform Coalition was invited to give evidence to the London Assembly on implementing the Renters' Rights Act in the capital city. With 2.7 million private renters living in London, it's vital to make sure the Act works for all.
Our Policy Officer, Niamh Evans, told the London Assembly that the Renters’ Rights Act should meaningfully strengthen security for renters and shift the balance of power towards tenants. This can be measured not just through a reduction in evictions, but also increased tenant confidence: renters should feel able to assert their rights, challenge unfair landlord practices, and raise complaints without fear of retaliation or eviction. Unfortunately, 7 in 10 renters in England do not yet have an understanding of how the Act will change their rights. Niamh stressed the importance of a visible and effective campaign to ensure renters know their rights, including using advertising on Transport for London services and supporting organisations who give advice to renters.
Overall, the Renters’ Rights Act will only be as effective as its enforcement. Niamh told the London Assembly how vital it is that local authorities have sufficient funding to ensure that renters' complaints are acted upon by enough properly trained staff. The UK government have currently only committed to £18.2 million nationally for New Burdens Funding - a figure which we believe is nowhere near enough for local authorities to meaningfully enforce renters' new protections.
The Chair of the London Assembly Housing Committee Zoë Garbett AM has written to the London Mayor with her recommendations based on the evidence given - including strongly urging the Mayor to commit to ensuring that renters know their rights and feel comfortable enacting them.
Read our full evidence submission here.