London council’s renters’ forum to target ‘rogue’ landlords

Landlords operating in one London council’s area are set to face closer scrutiny after tenants report poor conditions, ignored repair requests or steep rent increases via a new forum.

The council says its first private renters’ forum will give tenants a direct route to share experiences and help shape enforcement work.

The forum will bring together people who rent a room or home in the borough with council officers, community groups, tenants’ rights organisations and renters’ unions.

Haringey Council is introducing the forum as a tenant equivalent to the borough’s longstanding landlords’ forum and will meet every three months.

Tenants given direct voice

Councillor Tammy Hymas, the council’s co-deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “Private renting isn’t working.

“For too long private renters in our borough have felt powerless when things go wrong, whether that’s dealing with poor conditions or unaffordable rent hikes.”

She added: “That’s why we’re launching our private renters’ forum, giving tenants a direct voice and channel for them to share their experiences, raise concerns and help shape our work.

“The forum will help us to identify the challenges facing renters and take action on landlords who are making significant profits but failing their tenants.”

Forum to shape enforcement

Residents will be asked to identify recurring problems with rented homes and share information intended to improve enforcement against landlords.

Meetings will also raise awareness of tenants’ rights and the rules governing privately rented homes.

Participants will be invited to help plan and lead meetings, as well as contribute to council decisions and national campaigns.

The council says the forum is not an advice surgery for tenants.

First meeting confirmed

Haringey Advice Partnership and Justice for Tenants are among the organisations supporting the forum.

Citizens Advice Haringey and local renters’ unions are also expected to take part alongside residents and council officers.

The initiative forms part of the new council administration’s first 100 days plan following the local elections in May.

The first meeting will be held on 2 September.