Tenants – get help with landlord issues from Hackney CAB

At Hackney’s Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB), we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of enquiries about evictions (which have  risen by 32% last financial year), property disrepair and landlord harassment.

We want to help people in the area take charge of their tenancy issues, whatever they may be, and as such we have arranged a series of sessions to provide information on tenants’ rights.

Many people don’t realise that there are protections in law for problems that could arise during a tenancy, and knowing your rights is the first step in solving any housing issues.

If, for example, you have been given a sham tenancy agreement by your landlord that suggests you have fewer rights than those given by common law or statute, your rights laid down by law will always override those stated in this written or oral agreement.

Most private tenancies are now assured shorthold tenancies, and unfortunately some private landlords may respond to a valid complaint from a tenant with a Section 21 notice, to start lawful eviction proceedings. This is known as ‘retaliatory eviction’ and is still legal in the UK.

Are you experiencing problems with rising rents or do you feel uncertain about the terms or the future of your tenancy?

If so, come along to one of our information sessions, run by housing advice charity Shelter.

We can advise you about your rights as a tenant, about how to start or end a tenancy, and about problems you may encounter during a tenancy.

The sessions are free and open to all assured shorthold tenants and those who are hoping to start a private assured shorthold tenancy.

They will be held on 10, 17 and 24 May 2012, 6.30pm – 8.30pm at:

Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau
300 Mare Street
E8 1HE

Call 020 8525 6350 to reserve your place.