Newport City Council and campaigning body Generation Rent have launched a new project to improve engagement with people who are privately renting their homes.
A survey has opened today that aims to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by private renters as well as discover what they understand about their rights.
Initially, it will be seeking the views of people living in the Stow Hill, Victoria, Pillgwenlly and Lliswerry wards where there are high numbers of privately rented homes.
While most properties in the city are in good condition, a number of landlords break the law by renting out homes that are substandard or not fit to live in.
According to a Survation poll commissioned by Generation Rent in February 2021 of 1,008 private renters in the UK, more than a third of private renters (37 per cent ) had experienced mould or damp, 30 per cent had gone without heating or hot water and a quarter had put up with leaks or draughts.
The need for a safe, secure and energy efficient home has never been so important.
After the consultation ends, the project will move to stage two with focus-group discussions and forums with private renters.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: “We need to find out more about the private-rented sector in the city, particularly about living conditions, and that is why it is vital that we listen to what the renters have to say.
“I’m pleased that the council is able to partner with Generation Rent for the first project of its kind in Newport. The results of the work will give us a better understanding of the private rented sector and help shape future strategies.”
Alicia Kennedy, Director of Generation Rent “We look forward to embarking on this new project with Newport council, while so many private renters face a number of challenges relating to their homes and tenancies, so few know that their council is there to support them. It’s great that the council is giving private renters an opportunity to have their say and inform future policy”.
This project is part of larger nationwide project launched by Generation Rent with funding from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. It is working with six councils across the United Kingdom to develop best practice models for private renter engagement.
To take part in the survey visit www.newport.gov.uk/haveyoursay
