Tenants get new platform to complain about landlords

A new online platform designed to simplify the process of holding landlords accountable has been launched in Parliament.

The ‘My Housing Issue’ Gateway, created by the TDS Charitable Foundation, will guide tenants on where to report housing-related problems.

The foundation’s research reveals that half of private renters are unsure where to seek assistance when landlords or letting agents fail to address issues.

Nearly half (48%) of renters expressed a need for clearer guidance on making complaints, and 69% indicated they would use a dedicated website for resolving housing problems.

Read what The Landlord Crusader has to say about this new platform!

Communication is key

The National Residential Landlords Association’s campaigns and policy director, Chris Norris, said: “Any good landlord will tell you that communication is the key to sustaining a successful tenancy.

“Yet it’s too often the case that minor problems in rental properties can be allowed to worsen dramatically due to a communication breakdown between landlords and tenants.”

He added: “Tenants should have the confidence and the tools to be able to resolve issues in their rented accommodation, and we endorse the TDS Charitable Foundation’s move to make it easier for tenants to log problems in their rental property with their landlords.

“This new Gateway should act as a useful way for both groups to identify appropriate solutions in a faster, more effective way – before molehills start to become mountains.”

RRB introducing new enforcement tools

With the Renters’ Rights Bill introducing new enforcement tools, the Gateway will complement existing mechanisms, which tenants often find difficult to navigate – the Foundation says.

It will direct tenants to the proper channels for resolving disputes, encourage early resolution and offer user-friendly information about housing rights and options.

The Gateway’s design involved extensive consultation with government officials, tenant groups, landlords, letting agents and legal advisors.

It will work alongside a planned database of private rented properties, a key component of the Government’s PRS reforms.

The Foundation is now urging the government to include the Gateway in the mandatory ‘How to Rent’ guide.

Information to enforce their rights

Dr Jennifer Harris, the head of policy and research at TDS Group, said: “Tenants are hungry for better, easy to access information to enforce their rights and hold criminal landlords to account.

“The Gateway will do just that, ensuring renters know where to go for the help they need, when they need it.

“Empowering tenants like this will be vital if the government’s ambitions of a better private rented sector are to become a reality.”

The deputy chief executive at Generation Rent, Dan Wilson Craw, said: “One of the biggest barriers to improving private rented homes is the sheer number of bodies that play a role in enforcing tenant protections, and the confusion this creates among renters themselves.

“As the government implements the reforms currently going through Parliament it is essential that private renters can access free, clear and useful resources and information.

“This new Gateway offers tenants an easy-to-use tool, tailored to their needs – empowering them to make their next moves informed and with confidence.”