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.
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