A Lancaster charity is urging private tenants across the district to familiarise themselves with new protections introduced by the Renters' Rights Act.
The Act, which came into force in May this year, brings the biggest shake-up to private renting in a generation, and Citizens Advice North Lancashire says many tenants may still be unaware of exactly how it affects them.
Among the most significant changes is the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions. Landlords must now have a legal reason to evict a tenant, such as unpaid rent, antisocial behaviour, failure to look after the property, or the landlord moving back in or selling up.
The Act also brings in a raft of other protections for people renting privately, including an end to bidding wars, the right to request a pet, and stronger protections against discrimination, meaning landlords can no longer refuse to rent to someone simply because they have children or receive benefits.
Housing Adviser, Sammy Cooper, said: "So many of the renters we speak to simply don't know what they're entitled to, and that puts them at a real disadvantage.
‘’This Act gives private tenants some of the strongest protections we've seen in years, but rights only mean something if people know they have them. Our advice is always the same: come and talk to us.
‘’We're here to help people understand where they stand and to make sure they're treated fairly.’’
The charity say they are keen to empower people and is urging renters to remain vigilant, and say if a landlord fails to follow the new rules, tenants have the right to challenge this, and CANL is encouraging anyone who suspects they are not being treated fairly to come forward.
Anyone with questions or concerns about their rights as a private renter is encouraged to make an appointment by calling 01524 481 508 or emailing enquiries@northlancashirecab.org.uk
Drop-in sessions are also available at CANL's Lancaster and Morecambe offices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am-2pm.
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
Poetry in motion as live workshop comes to Morecambe rail journey
Lancaster pupils highlight school crossing patrol road safety campaign
UK wide lettings agency takes over Lancaster student housing firm
Morecambe live music bar gets change of name
Firefighters put out large vehicle fire in Lancaster
Latest national rankings place Lancaster University third in north west
Work on new housing on Lancaster city centre car park continues
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
Police probe after spate of vehicle break-ins in Halton
LISTEN: Kindness has been overwhelming after Carnforth man's horrific swimming pool accident
Sisters' Morecambe Winter Gardens diaries reveal 50 years of stories
