Tenants and landlords in Bristol are being advised to find out what a landmark new law that comes into effect on 1 May means for them.
The WE Rent campaign is bringing its Living Room Roadshow across the region 27 April- 1 May in the days leading up to the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force – the biggest shake-up to renting in more than 30 years.
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.
More than 30 organisations across the region, including housing charities, universities, letting agents and community groups, have joined forces to make sure the area’s private renters, and their landlords, understand what the changes mean for them.
The roadshow events are informal, welcoming people to sit on a sofa for a friendly chat about what the new law means for them, whether they rent or own a property they let out:
Monday 28 April 11am-2pm: Italian Gardens, Weston-super-Mare
Tuesday 29 April 1pm–4.30pm: Senate House, University of Bristol Students Union
Wednesday 30 April 10am-2pm: Yate Shopping Centre
Thursday 1 May, 10am–1pm: Kingsmead Square, Bath
Friday 1 May, 10am–2pm: Millennium Square, Bristol BS1 5DB (the day the law changes)
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 in Bristol. But good law only works if people know about it and feel confident using it. 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.”
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 all roadshow events.