Hastings Exchange

A knowledge exchange supported by the University of Brighton

What are the challenges facing tenants and landlords in private rental accommodation in the area?

In May 2016 representatives from various organisations with an interest in issues affecting people trying to access accommodation in the Hastings area,  local community members, students and academics all gathered at the Hastings campus. The discussion and presentations centred around some of the challenges that are faced by both tenants and landlords within the private rented sector in the local area and ways in which different agencies can work together to reduce these challenges.

The first to speak was Marylynn Fyvie-Gauld, who has been researching the private rented sector in the Hastings and St Leonards area since 2014 when she, along with Kay Reynolds of the Brighton Housing Trust, were successful in their application to the Cupp seed fund enabling them to work together on this research. The presentation explored some of the legislative changes which have impacted on the current situation, along with offering real examples of how this has affected both tenants and landlords in the area.  (Marylynn’s Presentation)

Next to speak was Tracy Dighton, Chief Executive of 1066 Citizens Advice, who spoke a little about the services they offer and that housing issues are the second highest enquiry, with debt problems being first. Among the most common problems the CAB hear about are those arising from the poor quality of the local housing stock, Fees charged by landlords and agents and changes to Local Housing Allowance making it increasingly difficult for tenants in receipt of benefits to rent privately.  (Tracy’s Presentation)

Following on from the refreshment break were Joe Powell, Housing Needs and Policy Manager and Matthew China, Housing Renewal Manager, of Hastings Borough Council spoke of the ways in which the council is attempting to improve the housing stock through the selective licencing and HMO schemes, as well as protecting tenants from bad landlords and offering training to landlords. They also gave details of their multi-agency approach that attempts to combat homelessness which includes the social lettings agency and loans for rent in advance and deposits. (Hastings Borough Council Presentation)

Jim Proudfoot of BHT spoke next about the Hastings Housing Access Project, which is a scheme targeted at over18s with a local connection who have no dependant children and are in insecure housing situations or homeless. The project works with clients to access more secure tenancies in the private sector and give them the skills to maintain that tenancy. Jim reported that the market has seen many changes in the last 5 years such as under 35s only being entitled to claim LHA for a single room, Right to Rent, along with increased fees and block viewings making finding accommodation far more challenging than previously. (Jim’s presentation)

The final speaker before the breakout session was a student who spoke of her experiences of renting in the private sector and some of the challenges she has faced. Speaking of becoming unintentionally homeless due to domestic violence, being evicted due to landlord wanting to increase the rent by over £200 a month, waiting 6 months for environmental health to take action when a ceiling collapsed and having to pay 5 reference check fees due to grown up children living at home. The account gave an insight into

After breaking out in to smaller groups to discuss the main points which had been raised during the presentations everyone came back together to feedback what had been discussed before moving on to the panel discussion. On the panel were the speakers for the afternoon plus local landlord and letting agent Barry Markham. The main themes that came up during the Q and A were the regulation of letting agents, with mention that by law agents are now required to display fees clearly both on their websites as well as their shops, the issue of increased demand against decreased supply, the cost of tenants living chaotic lives- how does the cost of using preventative measures compare with emergency provision.

Below are some links which may be of interest

Indices of Deprivation Map

Tackling Homelessness:Housing Associations and local authorities working in partnership report

Shelter reports

Changes to Homelessness Law and Practice in Scotland, Wales and England

Renters put at Risk

 

 

 

 

Abi Callaghan • June 30, 2016


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