Leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, today publishes the results of research into the quality of privately rented properties across the City. Last year the charity saw an increase of 41% in housing related enquiries.
The Charity and the Exeter City Council Private Housing Department worked together on the survey of private renters. The key findings of the survey were that:
• The majority of respondents said their accommodation is satisfactory, good or excellent (80%)
• The most common unresolved issue with landlords are repairs not being carried out (21%)
• The majority of respondents felt ‘secure’ in their accommodation (68%) but almost one-third do not (30%)
• The majority of respondents felt able to complain about their landlord (64%) but over one-third did not (35%)
Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “Whilst overall the trends are encouraging, and in some areas buck the national picture, worryingly some 20% of respondents considered their accommodation as poor or terrible. We will be working with Exeter City Council and the Exeter Private Renters Forum to raise awareness of private renter’s rights around key areas such as repairs not being carried and provide support and information on how to challenge poor housing.”
Exeter City Council is creating an online tenant handbook containing information about tenants’ rights which will be available via their website.
Exeter Private Renters Forum is holding an Information and Advice Session in Princesshay on Friday 3rd June between 11am – 2pm. Citizens Advice Exeter, as well as the Fire Service, Path Renting Support Service, Exeter City Council Private Sector Housing , and Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, will be present.
Steve finished by saying: “We would encourage anyone renting in the private sector and private sector landlords to come to the Information Session on Friday 3rd June starting at 11am in Princesshay.”
Information and advice about renting in the private sector is available at: citizensadvice.org.uk or by telephoning Citizens Advice Exeter on 03444 111 444. Advice is also available from the private sector housing team at Exeter City Council on 01392 265148 or emailing privatesectorhousing@exeter.gov.uk
ENDS