Britain’s largest trade union demands rent controls and more eviction protections

Britain’s largest trade union demands rent controls and more eviction protections

0:01 AM, 17th October 2024, About An hour ago

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Britain’s largest trade union argues the “Renters’ Rights Bill must go further in addressing affordability”.

UNISON is calling on the government to introduce rent controls and extend eviction protections for tenants to two years.

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords who repossess a property to sell or move back in cannot evict tenants for 12 months.

Renters have faced significant challenges

The trade union says the state of private renting deeply affects thousands of UNISON members, both in their personal lives and as public service workers.

The union emphasises that the housing crisis has far-reaching consequences on public services, from workers being priced out of living near their jobs due to soaring housing costs, to substandard accommodation contributing to health problems, which in turn strain the NHS and other essential services.

UNISON housing policy officer Sylvia Jones says the Bill is a positive step forward but needs more measures to strengthen the Bill.

She said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill offers a much-needed opportunity to address the ongoing rental crisis and protect the rights of millions of private renters.

“For far too long, private renters have faced significant challenges, including rising rents, constant fears of being evicted and poor living conditions.

“UNISON is committed to advocating for the rights of its renting members and shaping rental policy to create a fairer and more equitable housing market. The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant step forward in achieving this goal.

“However, while the bill is a positive step, it falls short of fully addressing the broader issues of supply, accessibility and affordability, as well as other concerns around insecurity and standards.”

Tackle discriminatory practices

UNISON is also pushing for the Renters’ Rights Bill to tackle discriminatory practices, such as Right to Rent checks and high upfront rent demands. The trade union claims these practices make it harder for marginalised groups to access housing.

The union is also calling for stronger enforcement, with a well-funded and properly resourced database to track rental properties and ensure landlords are following the law.


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