Private Tenants' Forum up for Housing Award

Set up in 2012 by Housing Rights, the Private Tenant’s Forum is a group of volunteers who advocate for changes in policy and legislation that will improve conditions for everyone living in the Private Rented Sector.  The forum has now been nominated for 'More than Bricks and Mortar' award in this year's Housing Awards.

***UPDATE*** Private Tenants Forum - winner of More than Bricks and Mortar award.  We're delighted that the Forum's work was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing at the 2015 awards 

The Private Tenants’ Forum impact on policy

The Forum has helped to put the private rented sector onto the wider policy agenda. It has had significant engagement with policy makers and has produced many positive results. In the past couple of years, the forum has

• undertaken a mystery shopping exercise into letting fees in the Private Rented Sector.
• commisioned and helped to develop an animated video to help people find private rented accommodation and understand their rights.
• created the Private Tenants' Forum Agenda for Action,  a manifesto looking at key issues that policy makers need to consider to improve the Private Rented Sector
• submitted responses to Department for Social Development's Facing the Future consultation and Department of Finance and Personnel's review of rates liability for landlords

The Private Tenants’ Forum impact on members

The Forum is made up of people who have experience of living in the private rented sector, and it has had a positive impact on the personal growth of the members.

Gaining new skills has had a profound impact on members and empowered them to make a real contribution to their communities. Tracey, one of the Forum’s first members, previously lived in the homeless shelter where she now volunteers. Having had a bad experience renting privately, she wanted to ensure others didn’t find themselves in the same situation.

Tracey now has a housing advice qualification and has met with MLAs and with the Social Development Committee many times. She shares what she has learned with residents of the hostel she volunteers in.

“Taking part in the forum has brought me into a whole new world. Who would have thought I would have a qualification in housing advice, that I would be talking to MLAs. It’s good to have that status, to feel like I am good at something and helping others”

“I am constantly helping the people in the hostel through what I have learnt in the forum. I’m tortured with questions, but in a good way."

The aims and objectives of the forum

The aim of the forum is to encourage tenant participation in shaping relevant legislation, policy and practice in the Private Rented Sector.

The objectives of the forum are:

• To support and encourage consumer driven improvement of the PRS
• To help create a culture that is committed to the principles of tenant involvement in the future development of the Private Rented Sector
• To provide a supportive environment for PRS tenants to voice and share views
• To actively influence legislation, policy and practice in areas relevant to private tenants.

To find out more about the Private Tenants' Forum contact Sharon Geary at Housing Rights Service.