‘Sadly many renters do not know their rights’

• THE person “Anon NW1” who responded to our May 4 letter in last week’s CNJ makes some important points about the current state of the private rented sector, (Housing and the economy, May 11).

Sadly many renters do not know their rights, and this is a particular issue for those who come here from abroad to work and or study, as they are often unfamiliar with how “the system” works here.

How we actively address this is something that challenges us on a daily basis, especially as we are a small organisation with limited resources.

Also what we do say to everybody who contacts us about receiving a section 21 “no-fault” eviction notice is to first of all check whether it’s actually legally valid.

This is because there are certain specific circumstances where it will not be; for example, if they are living in a property that should be licensed by Camden Council, if the deposit has not been protected, or if they have not been issued with a gas safety certificate.

Some commentators have also highlighted the increasing financial pressures they believe landlords are facing too; but it should be noted that around 40 per cent of them have no debt or borrowing, so a considerable number will not be affected by the increases in mortgage interest rates.

And as to their concerns about the impact the much promised Renters (Reform) Bill will have on the sector… this is what a blogger on the National Residential Landlords’ Association website said recently: “So, as with everything, after the period of change, I am confident that the market will adjust and find its new norm.”

Maybe we shouldn’t be too surprised, then, that opportunities for making money from the private rented sector continue to be promoted in the same place: “Furthermore, with a dwindling housing stock, rents are at an all-time high meaning tenants are fighting it out to rent your properties.”

ROBERT TAYLOR
Camden Federation of Private Tenants
Malden Road, NW5