Sadiq Khan boosts funding to empower tenants and crack down on rogue landlords

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced £400,000 in funding to help tenants challenge rogue landlords.

The Mayor’s Renters’ Rights Enforcement Fund will provide two organisations with funding to help tenants understand their rights and challenge rogue landlords.

The remaining funding will be used to train council officers to use their powers under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Game changer for tenants

Mr Khan explains the three-year funding programme will benefit tenants by helping them to understand their rights and hold rogue landlords to account.

Mr Khan said: “I will always stand up for London’s renters who deserve to feel secure in their homes and confident that they can challenge rogue landlords when their rights are ignored.

“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.

“Every Londoner deserves a safe, secure and decent home, and this investment will help ensure these new rights for renters are more than words on paper, as we build a safer, fairer London for everyone.”

Funding will empower tenants

Cllr Anthony Okereke, London councils’ executive member for Housing and Homelessness, added: “For too long, too many Londoners have put up with subpar housing conditions due to a lack of rights and protections in the private rented sector. This funding will empower tenants to understand and use their new rights under the Renters’ Rights Act, giving them the support they need to challenge bad practice.

“It will also support borough enforcement by providing training to help councils protect tenants’ rights and improve housing conditions across the capital. Plans to begin more than 6,000 Living Rent homes for key workers by 2030 are also welcome, helping to ensure the nurses, teachers and transport staff who keep the city running can afford to live in it.”