Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has signed up to the Tower Hamlets Private Renters’ Charter protecting renters’ rights.
The Tower Hamlets Private Renters' Charter works towards ensuring that every private renter has the right to live in a safe and secure home, and to be treated fairly by their landlord or agent.
QMUL and a broad range of other organisations who back the charter, will provide specialist assistance and guidance for renters.
QMUL Residents Services and Support was also part of the working group to develop the Charter.
Barbara Ashcroft, Head of Housing Services at QMUL said: “It is estimated that approximately 40% of our students live in the private renter sector (PRS), the bulk of these will be within Tower Hamlets. QMUL’s Housing Services are committed to provide a comprehensive guidance and dispute resolution service to support students and staff living in PRS.
She added: “Raising awareness and education is the key to protecting tenant’s rights, which in turn provides a safe, secure environment to study and succeed. We are delighted and excited to be involved in the development and launch of this new essential initiative with Tower Hamlets, and for being recognised as providing specialist assistance and guidance for renters.”
For the first time in generations the majority of homes in Tower Hamlets (40 per cent) are now rented from private landlords, compared with 36 per cent of social housing that is available to rent.
This amounts to 46,000 privately rented homes, and this figure is set to increase year on year, as the borough’s population of 300,000 is estimated to leap to 374,000 by 2026.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “Raising standards within the private rented sector is a key part of our Housing Strategy and a big issue for increasing numbers of residents who rely on the private sector to rent their home.
He added: “Standards are already being raised through our landlord licensing work, and this Charter provides a quick and easy way for all private renters to find out what their rights are, what standards they should expect, and where to go for help.”
The Charter was officially launched on Thursday 29 June by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, and Statutory Deputy Mayor Cllr Sirajul Islam, who is Tower Hamlets Cabinet Member for Housing.
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