National Voice for Private Tenants

A national organisation has been formed to provide a much needed voice for tenants in the private rented sector. The National Private Tenants Organisation has been formed by the four private tenants organisations in England based in Blackpool, Brent, Camden and Scarborough. Secretary Jacky Peacock said: “The aim of the new organisation is to work for professionally managed, secure, decent and affordable private rented homes in sustainable communities.”

Chairperson Kevin Allen went on to say: “This is a critical time for private tenants to have a national voice. With home ownership out of reach for many people and the lack of social housing, private renting is becoming the only option for many. We have real concerns about rogue landlords and sub-standard homes. According to Shelter local councils know more than 1475 landlords who repeatedly give them cause for concern and complaints against landlords have risen by 22 per cent in the last two year. A BBC news report in February this year reported that one million rented homes in England are dangerous. Changes to housing benefit, legal aid and changes to social housing tenancies are set to make this situation worse.”

Membership of the national group is open to private tenant groups and individual tenants who cannot join a local group. Founder member Richard Harrod said: “We believe that local authorities should carry out more pro-active inspections and prosecute repeat offenders to send out a clear message that private tenants deserve the same decent homes as social tenants and home owners. Many tenants fear eviction if they try to enforce their legal rights.” Mr Harrod went on to say: “We welcome the opportunity to work with other organisations which share our aims.”