Do you rent privately in Hackney and are you stuck with a god awful landlord? Help is on hand from the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Everyone I know has a bad story about an awful landlord or lettings agent and the whole business seems pretty sordid to me. And if you need any convincing take a look at this video of a lettings agent forcing his way into a student home and hurling a load of abuse at the tenant which has gone this viral this week on youtube.
It’s bad everywhere but in London especially the drastic demand for property means many landlords can get away with charging through the roof and providing a shoddy service.
People need the houses so desperately they’ll put up with atrocious living standards and the people in control know and abuse this fact and this is why there’s been a 32% rise in the number of complaints about private renting to the Hackney CAB in the past year.
However, there are protections in law for problems with tenancy agreements and knowing your rights is the first step to winning against the unscrupulous landlords.
For example, if your tenancy isn’t worth the paper it’s written on and it’s not been officially created, your rights laid down by law will always override those stated in this written or oral agreement.
Shelter has got together with the CAB to organise these sessions and there’s one tomorrow night (17th) and on the 24th. They are held between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at the Hackney CAB office at 300 Mare Street. They’re free and open to all assured shorthold tenants and those who are hoping to start a private assured shorthold tenancy.
If you want to go you’ll need to reserve a place by calling 020 8525 6350.
Words: Rebecca Rutt
Image: Time Out
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