Harrow Council 'backs private renters'

Harrow Council is setting up an association to support the rights of those in the private rented sector.

The group is designed to champion the needs of individuals in the borough who are leasing their homes through this medium and it means people looking at property to rent in Harrow could soon have a voice within the community.

Some 20 per cent of all households in the area are in the private rented sector. Richard Harrod, who will be attending a forum set up to discuss the matter further, said it is vital rental rates are affordable and repairs are carried out in a safe and secure manner.

Among the topics up for discussion are welfare benefits and the national tenants deposit scheme, while all other queries will be welcomed. Portfolio holder for housing councillor Bob Currie has thrown his backing behind the scheme, as it offers people the chance to have their say.

"We want to help residents to get the best from the market, by demanding higher standards and not accepting rogue landlord style behaviour by a minority in Harrow. By facilitating this meeting and helping residents set up a private tenant association, we are putting our weight behind residents' call for change," he added.

On top of encouraging renters to band together for the good of the community, the local authority is also keen to push sound environmental practices.  Harrow Council's portfolio holder for environment and community safety councillor Phillip O'Dell noted residents will be saving landfill space and resources if they recycle their old electrical equipment instead of just dumping it.

Mr O'Dell went on to note the borough already has one of the best rates in London for recycling, but there is still more to be done. At present, 1.2 million tonnes of electrical waste goes into landfill every year, which equates to 150,000 double decker buses. The more this is reduced, the less money the council has to spend.

Posted by Andy Britten

Published 28th June, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited