A NEW tool will make it easier for renters to complain about ‘criminal’ landlords and claim compensation.
The new platform will allow tenants to report problems from mould and safety issues to unfair fees and missing deposits.
Renters will see a huge increase in their rights this year and new avenues to complain[/caption]
The “My Housing Issue” Gateway, designed by the TDS charitable foundation, will be a one-stop platform for private sector renters to raise issues.
It will signpost tenants to information about their rights and encourage the early resolution of disputes.
Where disputes are not rectified in a timely manner it will also tell renters how to escalate their complaints.
Research had found that 50 per cent of private renters did not know where to go if their landlord failed to address a problem.
Additionally 48 per cent wanted clearer information on how to make a complaint.
Dr Jennifer Harris, 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 platform has been launched ahead of the passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will greatly increase the rights of private-sector tenants.
When passed the bill is expected to end fixed-term tenancies, introduce a decent home standard, establish a new ombudsman and protect families in receipt of benefits from discrimination.
It will also end the practise of tenants being forced from their homes under Section 21 notices, also known as “no fault” evictions.
The bill is expected to become law in late summer or autumn and will increase the obligations on landlords to address issues in a timely manner.
Dan Wilson Craw, deputy chief executive at Generation Rent, 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.”
There are already many rules landlords need to follow and if they don’t renters could be entitled to compensation.
These include obligations to ensure properties are mould-free and to complete repairs in a timely manner.
If your landlord has failed to do this you could be entitled to have a proportion of your rent refunded.
There are also strict rules on the fees landlords can charge and how they should manage your money, including your deposit.
If you think you might be owed compensation this guide can help you learn more.
How to settle a dispute with your private landlord
THE first step is to try and talk through the problem, but if this does not go to plan you can write a formal letter.
Simply explain the problem and what you want them to do to resolve it.
If unsuccessful, the next step is to complain to your local council, which can help with issues regarding:
- repairs that cause a risk to your health and safety not being done (e.g faulty electrical wiring not being fixed)
- illegal eviction
- harassment
- dishonest or unfair trading behaviour
If your landlord still doesn’t sort out your problem or if the council can’t help, you might be able to take court action.
Just remember this can be expensive so make sure it’s the right option for you.
You can get free advice from Shelter and free advice from Citizens Advice about disputes and housing problems.
In Wales, you can contact Shelter Cymru.
Civil Legal Advice (CLA) can offer some people free and confidential services as part of legal aid, if you’re in England and Wales.
A solicitor can also help you too, but they might charge a fee.
If you’re a social tenant, you should complain to the Housing Ombudsman.
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