Landlords in one London council area are set to face increased scrutiny following the introduction of a new private renters' forum. Haringey Council is launching its first private renters' forum to provide tenants with a direct way to report poor conditions, ignored repair requests, or steep rent increases.
The forum, which will meet every three months, is intended to be a tenant equivalent to the borough's existing landlords' forum. It will gather people who rent a room or home in the borough with council officers, community groups, tenants' rights organisations, and renters' unions.
Councillor Tammy Hymas, the council's co-deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, stated that the forum aims to give tenants a direct voice to share experiences, raise concerns, and help shape the council's work. Residents will be asked to identify recurring problems with rented homes and share information to improve enforcement against landlords. The forum will also raise awareness of tenants' rights.
Organisations such as Haringey Advice Partnership and Justice for Tenants are supporting the forum, with Citizens Advice Haringey and local renters' unions also expected to participate. The first meeting is scheduled for 2 September.