Worrying rent trend

SHORT term tenancies and rent a room

A noticeable trend in the Borough is the appearance of `Rent a Room’ signs and local apps.

Campaigners have claimed that MPs’ efforts to clamp down on short-term rentals, such as those offered by Airbnb, will unfairly hit homeowners with red tape.

The new Bill would mean people wanting to rent out their property would first have to register with the local council.

The landlord lobby says “Instead of putting unnecessary burdens on homeowners who occasionally let out their home, we can support existing legislation by ensuring the safe and responsible growth of the industry.” How is not mentioned. However, I have received three complaints from different student residents returning to their country who say they have been given rent books but no written tenancy agreements.

When they ask for their deposits to be returned they are told that either they have to pay for some damage they are insisting they didn’t cause.

They had not been given an inventory of conditions. Just a rent book and may not have any redress. £400-500 is not easy to find in the first place! Many are insisting on cash payments only.

The majority of students return to their own country as visa expires and they cannot fight these claims.

Coun M Smidowicz lead member for regulatory services