A Just Housing System

 

The power imbalance between landlords and renters must be addressed. We want a system within which renters feel empowered to stand up for their rights and ask for reasonable improvements, without fear of retaliatory eviction.

The Private Rented Sector should be free of all discrimination. The Government’s Right to Rent scheme, which requires private landlords to check the immigration status of tenants and potential tenants, should be scrapped. Right to Rent has been ruled as discriminatory and has no place in a just housing system. Discrimination of tenants in receipt of welfare benefits, on low incomes or on zero-hours contracts must be ended, both when tenants are looking for a new home and during the referencing process.

 

To deliver a housing system that rebalances the power between tenant and landlord, access to justice is imperative. Any reform should be combined with better dispute resolution and mediation services relieving pressure from the courts. Improved access to justice should not focus solely upon digitisation but accessibility, and expanded legal aid, access to advice and representation of renters. The Government should guarantee all renters have access to legal aid should they need it.

 

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