Sofa so good: Weston event helps renters and landlords get ready for landmark new law

Renters and landlords in North Somerset are being invited to 'sit on the sofa' at a special event in Weston-super-Mare to find out more about the biggest shake-up to renting law in a generation.

A pop up 'Living Room' will be at the Italian Gardens on Monday 27 April between 11am and 2pm – kicking off a week of awareness events across the region ahead of the Renters' Rights Act coming into force on 1 May. 

The new law abolishes Section 21 'no fault' evictions, ends fixed-term tenancies, bans rental bidding wars and limits rent increases to once per year.

The roadshow, running from 27 April to 1 May, is part of the WE Rent campaign, bringing together more than 30 organisations across the West of England to make sure renters and landlords understand what the new law means for them.

The event can offer help and guidance to renters and landlords

Sara Leeroth, of Citizens Advice North Somerset, said:

“In North Somerset, we’ve seen a pattern where the threat of eviction shapes people's behaviour long before any legal action is taken.

"Last year we helped 50 people with disrepair issues including damp and mould, but were only able to take three cases forward. Many renters are reluctant to formally challenge poor conditions because they fear eviction. In the same period, we supported 167 people facing a Section 21 no-fault eviction.

"So, the removal of Section 21 through the Renters' Rights Act has the potential to fundamentally change this dynamic – reducing the risk of retaliatory eviction, giving renters greater confidence to report issues like damp and mould, and preventing the cycle of repeated eviction attempts that we currently see.

"From our perspective, the Act could shift the system from one where renters feel they must tolerate poor conditions, to one where they can safely assert their rights." 

Councillor Jenna Ho Marris, Cabinet Member for Homes and Health in North Somerset and co-chair of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Partnership, said:

"Insecure housing and poor-quality housing causes poor physical and mental health, and it's worse for people on lower incomes.

“The evidence is very clear, just read the Marmot Review 10 Years On Report. To landlords and agents, I would say, 'don't get caught out, we need you', and to renters I would say, 'know your rights'.

“What's crucial now is getting the word out- renters, landlords, agents, local councils, our family and friends who are renters and landlords, we all need to know our rights and responsibilities under this important new law.”

The roadshow events are informal, anyone with questions is welcome to come and sit on the sofa for a friendly chat about what the new law means for them, whether they rent or own a property they let out. 

Alice Tibbert, CEO of Housing Matters and lead convenor of the WE Rent campaign, said:

"The Renters' Rights Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people renting across our region. But good law only works if people know about it and feel confident using it.

"That's why organisations right across the West of England have come together – housing charities, councils, universities, letting agents, community groups – to make sure that when this law changes on 1 May, renters and landlords are ready.

"We're looking forward to just having a chat with people to create a comfortable environment to help people know their rights. It could make a real difference to someone's life.

The WE Rent campaign spans the whole West of England region covering Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, and is believed to be the only coordinated regional campaign of its kind in England.

A free Renters' Rights Guidebook in plain English is available to download at www.we-rent.org.uk, and printed copies will be available at the event.