Introduction
Landlords, be prepared for a wave of activism that’s sweeping the nation! The Generation Rent activist group is sounding the alarm, urging its supporters to mobilize and send a powerful message to Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the delayed parliamentary progress of the Renters Reform Bill. In a bid to facilitate the process, the group has crafted template letters tailored to MPs’ respective political affiliations, making it easier than ever for renters to voice their concerns.
Generation Rent Takes a Stand
For several days now, Generation Rent has been vocal about their belief that a small number of Conservative MPs, who are also landlords themselves, are obstructing the Second Reading of the Renters Reform Bill. This delay, which has pushed the bill’s timeline beyond the party conference season, comes despite the government’s promise, as conveyed by the Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt, that the bill would receive its Second Reading at the earliest possible opportunity.
Template Letters – Tailored to Political Affiliations
Generation Rent’s strategic approach involves the creation of template letters tailored to the political affiliations of MPs. For Conservative MPs, they’ve composed a detailed letter that goes like this:
For Conservative MPs:
“Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing to you, my MP, to ask you to represent tenants’ interests during the passage of the Renters Reform Bill. I hope you take this important opportunity to improve renting and the lives of renters in our constituency by ending arbitrary Section 21 evictions.
These reforms were part of your 2019 manifesto commitment, and polls show tenancy reform to be one of the government’s most popular policies, so I expect you to stand by them and support this Bill.
Tenants are facing insecurity in their homes, knowing they can be evicted at any time and without being given a reason, as well as sky-high rents and often terrible conditions.
Please ensure that you attend the second reading debate of the Renters Reform Bill and address concerns I have about proposals that could still leave tenants vulnerable to unfair evictions. It would mean a lot to me and other renters in [constituency name] if you could support the positive aspects of this Bill while ensuring that the loopholes are closed.
I’m also concerned about the lack of protections for tenants against landlords who ignore damp and mold – we need an Awaab’s Law as a part of this Bill to make sure private tenants are safe in their homes.
Generation Rent has produced a briefing on the Bill, outlining where they believe the strengths and weaknesses lie. If you would like to contact them, please email conor@generationrent.org, and they will arrange a meeting with you.
I look forward to your contribution to the Bill – renters in [constituency name] and around the country need you to stand up for them now while it matters the most. We need you to deliver on the promises you made at the last election.”
And for those residing in the constituency of a Labour MP, Generation Rent offers a concise yet impactful letter:
For Labour MPs:
“Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing to you, my MP, to ask you to represent tenants’ interests during the passage of the Renters Reform Bill. I hope you take this important opportunity to improve renting and the lives of renters in our constituency by ending arbitrary Section 21 evictions.
Tenants are facing insecurity in their homes, knowing they can be evicted at any time and without being given a reason, as well as sky-high rents and often terrible conditions.
Please ensure that you attend the second reading debate of the Renters Reform Bill and address concerns I have about proposals that could still leave tenants vulnerable to unfair evictions. It would mean a lot to me and other renters in [constituency name] if you could support the positive aspects of this Bill while ensuring that the loopholes are closed.
There’s not enough in the Bill to deal with high rents – and the tribunal designed to regulate rent rises will still result in tenants being forced out of their homes by unaffordable rent increases. This is wrong and won’t help keep the bills down in our area.
Generation Rent has produced a briefing on the Bill, outlining where they believe the strengths and weaknesses lie. If you would like to contact them, please email conor@generationrent.org, and they will arrange a meeting with you.
I look forward to your contribution to the Bill – renters in [constituency name] and around the country need you to stand up for them now while it matters the most.”
Conclusion
As the Renters Reform Bill hangs in the balance, landlords must be aware of the growing momentum of Generation Rent activists. These template letters, tailored to MPs’ political affiliations, are a testament to the group’s commitment to bringing about change in the renting landscape. The call for action is clear: renters are looking to their MPs to champion their cause, end arbitrary evictions, and create a fairer renting environment. Landlords, heed this warning and prepare for an impassioned wave of activism from Generation Rent.