London estate agents braced for day of ‘activist action’ over rent

Firms in the capital are being threatened with “a day of action” on December 3 by a tenants' union demanding rent controls in the capital.

 

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London estate agents are being threatened with ‘a day of action’ on 3 December by a union demanding rent controls in the capital similar to those that have already been implemented in Scotland.

London Renters Union (LRU) is blaming estate agents for current rent increases and piling misery on thousands already feeling the pinch.

CHRISTMAS

With Christmas fast approaching and the cost-of-living crisis showing no sign of abating the latest email marketing from LRU states: “Is your rent too high? Has your rent gone up recently or are you worried about a rent increase? You’re not alone.

“Agents and landlords are using the current crisis to put up rents and boost profits. Estate agents are emailing landlords encouraging them to put the rent up. The average rent increase being reported by LRU members is £3,300 per year.”

RENT FREEZE

LRU wants a rent freeze after Scotland’s tenant union, Living Rent, won a rent freeze and an eviction ban.

We’ll name and shame the estate agents and landlords that are using the current crisis as an excuse to boost profits.”

“It’s currently illegal to put up the rent or evict tenants in Scotland. Let’s fight for the same here,” the email says.

“On December 3, we’ll name and shame the estate agents and landlords that are using the current crisis as an excuse to boost profits and squeeze renters. We’re going to show that renters are united and we’re fighting for a #RentFreeze now.”

RIGGED

LRU believes that the London housing market is ‘rigged’ and stacked in favour of landlords and investors who profit at their expense.

The union was set up by a coalition of housing groups and social justice groups including Radical Housing Network, Take Back The City, Generation Rent, Digs (Hackney Renters), Rent Strike and People’s Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH). Its advisory network includes the New Economics Foundation, Advice4Renters, and the Migrants Rights Network.

LRU was approached for comment.


One Comment

  1. Cost of living is – Has gone up for everyone, No-one is exempt, and that includes tenants.
    ( Who have no clue how much extra the finance on the properties their renting has increased for landlords, many of whom aren’t able to pass on the full costs and are actually out-of-pocket since the recession. )

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