Landlord problems? Sian Berry launches Big Renters Survey to look into London’s private renting crisis
Looking into the issue: London Assembly Member Sian Berry at a letting agents’ window. Photograph: Sian Berry
Renting in Hackney?
Green party London Assembly Member Sian Berry is calling for views from people renting privately – whether about costs or contracts, letting agents, maintenance or repairs.
Her Big Renters Survey, which launched today, aims to collect evidence, views and stories to do with the capital’s private renting market.
Ms Berry, who is also a local councillor in the borough of Camden , is no stranger to the difficulties faced by private renters.
She said: “As a private renter, like 2.3 million other Londoners, I know that the insecurity, cost and lack of control over your living arrangements can take its toll.
“My flat’s toilet is never properly fixed by my landlord and has just broken again.
“I’ve shelled out more than half my pay in rent and lived in six different houses and flats since I moved to London.
“Hackney rents average £1,625 per month. That’s 67 per cent of average household take-home pay in the borough.”
She added: “If you are – or have ever been – a private renter in Hackney, please take three minutes to fill in my Big Renters Survey today.
Tell me about your repair nightmares, how you’ve been treated by landlords and letting agents, and how you think a renters union could help.
“Share the survey with your friends and help me get the widest range of views to push the mayor and the government for better rights and better support for private renters like you and me.”