The numbers of people renting instead of buying has never been higher, but with reports of landlords and letting agents placing unnecessary restrictions on tenants, according to the Guardian, many of them are not taking this lying down. All over the country, tenants are joining forces and going on the warpath in an attempt to restore the balance of justice in their favour.
The Rise of Tenants’ Groups
The cost of renting homes in the UK is now at an all-time high. The average tenant pays more than £750 per month. Yet despite this many tenants are being forced to pay unfair fees and live in badly maintained properties run by rogue landlords. As a result it is hardly surprising that tenants feel the need to set up support groups and campaign against unfair fees and retaliatory evictions.
Landlord Ratings
One such group is called the Tenants’ Voice—its members are people who came together to share their experiences of the letting industry, both good and bad. The group is still in its infancy, but already they have a huge following on Facebook and are planning a ‘trip advisor’ style ratings website where tenants can leave feedback about landlords and letting agents.
Tenants’ Coalition
And they are not alone: there are other tenants’ groups springing up all over the UK where tenants in the same area have formed a coalition in order to seek redress against rip-off letting agents and dodgy landlords. As an individual, their voice was faint, but as a group, they are able to wield a lot more power.
Landlords: how do you feel about tenants’ groups? Let us know in the comments.
