0:01 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago 11
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Renters in England are preparing to assert themselves more forcefully against landlords and letting agents when their rents are increased, a survey reveals.
The Generation Rent findings from a survey of nearly 1,000 tenants, show that the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill will embolden renters.
It says that 68% of respondents expressed a greater willingness to dispute rent rises, while 62% will flag up tenancy problems.
The survey also reveals that 86% want rent controls to be brought in.
Generation Rent said: “The upcoming reforms, being introduced by the Renters’ Rights Bill, are extremely popular amongst private renters.
“68% said that it would make it more likely that they would challenge unfair rent rises, 62% that they would tell the landlord about tenancy issues, and 60% that they would contact their local council about issues with the home.
“These are extremely positive numbers and indicate that renters are already looking forward to being able to use more of their rights and to feel more empowered once Section 21 finally ends.”
Unsurprisingly, 83% of those questioned welcomed the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions as critically important, with 69% anticipating a beneficial effect on their lives.
Tenant perceptions of eviction motives reveal concerns, with nearly a quarter believing landlords evict to boost rents.
A similar proportion suspects property sales as the driver, and a fifth point to avoidance of maintenance responsibilities.
Only a small fraction, just 10%, pointed to rent arrears, and even fewer, 4%, mentioned antisocial behaviour.
Tenants apparently want more action, particularly rent controls, which is absent from the current Bill.
The survey found that 86% of renters believe such measures would significantly improve their circumstances, with 73% rent controls ‘very important’.
Generation Rent is pushing for restrictions on in-tenancy rent increases to the lower of inflation or wage growth, tenant relocation support for unjust evictions and limits on guarantor demands.
It said: “Rent restrictions would do a world of good in stopping unfair rent rises and keeping renters in their homes that landlords cannot price them out of.
“The government should look to the Renters’ Rights Bill to stop in-tenancy rent restrictions increasing faster than wages and the cost of living.”
It also wants a database for eviction notices to curb abuse of the process, and increased construction of affordable and social housing tailored to community needs, including disabled tenants.
The survey also notes that 61% of tenants have, over the past year, faced higher rents with the median rises hitting £80 monthly.
Renters also claim that barriers to new tenancies, such as guarantor demands and upfront rent requests, are also rising, though the Bill promises to ban such practices.
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Cider Drinker
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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1539
8:49 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
Dear tenant, your new rent is £XXX.
Dear landlord, I shall challenge that at a rent tribunal. Check.
Dear tenant, please find enclosed a a section 8 Ground 1A. I need to sell the property because the rent doesn’t cover the costs of keeping it. Checkmate.
Game over.
Stella
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Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 603
9:17 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 22/04/2025 – 08:49That would be my reply to the tenant also BUT will possession under section 8 ground 1A be at the whim of a Judge or will it truly be a mandatory ground.
The Jury is still out!
Jim K
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Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 178
10:50 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
…It also wants a database for eviction notices to curb abuse of the process,…
The Dutch have a great word.
Omdenken.
Literally ‘flip thinking’.
I use it all the time..What the pressure group are asking for is a ‘bad tenant’ database.
Once is unfortunate.
Twice is a co-incidence.
Three tines is a pattern.
Northernpleb
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Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 143
11:32 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
I believe the rent increase comes into force after the so called tribunals look at it . That could go into months, probably into the next rent increase. I believe that many Landlords that have not been increasing rent will be forced to increase the rent every year. So it`s not a big jump.
moneymanager
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Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
11:35 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
‘Generation Rent findings’, SURPRISE, it got the result they wanted
Reluctant Landlord
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Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3441 - Articles: 5
11:40 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
Tenants apparently want more action, particularly rent controls, which is absent from the current Bill.
Rent controls not needed. There wont be anything to rent.
LaLo
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Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 382
12:43 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
I’ve just recently advertised a flat to let and the response is overwhelming. Many say they want to find somewhere immediately due to family tiff – job move so no time to do checks, err’ no thanks, Also re S21. S21 issued to tenant so tenant doesn’t pay rent (what’s the point) and waits for choked up courts who issue CCJ – ends up homeless. L/L can’t pay debts/mortgage – ends up homeless. All hotels full of . . . … Shop doorways all full – but hey’ this progress!!
JB
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Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 741
14:13 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
Tenants should be careful what they wish for
DAMIEN RAFFERTY
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Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 188
14:51 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
Who are Generation Rent ?
Where did they find one thousand tenants to fill in their questionnaire?
Could it be the 1000 out of 3,000,000+ tenants who are renting in England who have contacted GR due to issues with their Landlord ?
Peter Smith
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 10
18:55 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 10 months ago
We will have next three years rent clearly printed on new TA that Tenant signs for when accepted to rent our property. We will not be dictated to. They have no idea of our cost increases each year, insurances, mortgage etc