New forum to give Powys private tenants a stronger voice
New forum to give Powys private tenants a stronger voice
Private tenants across Powys are being invited to help shape a new forum that will give renters a stronger voice, better access to information and a chance to share their experiences of renting privately in the county.
The forum has been set up following a recent Powys County Council survey, which asked private tenants about the issues affecting them and what support they would like to see in place.
Thirty people completed the survey, including 24 current private tenants. Their responses highlighted concerns around affordability, housing conditions, limited choice and long-term security.
Many respondents said high rents, deposits, advance rent and limited access to suitable homes made it difficult to move or find secure, long-term housing.
Respondents also raised concerns about property conditions, repairs, energy efficiency, landlord standards and the impact of short-term holiday lets on the availability of long-term rental homes.
When asked how a tenants' forum could help, respondents said it could provide clear information and advice about tenants' rights, improve landlord accountability and housing standards, give renters a stronger collective voice, and support people who may find it difficult to raise concerns on their own.
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey and shared their experiences of renting privately in Powys. The responses have highlighted the real pressures some private tenants face, from affordability and housing conditions to limited choice and insecurity. The private rented sector is a significant provider of housing in Powys, so it is important that tenants are heard and have opportunities to help shape the support and information available to them.
"If you are a private tenant in Powys, I would encourage you to come along to the first meeting, have your say and help shape the forum from the start. The first meeting will give private tenants the chance to hear more about the survey findings, find out where to go for help and advice, ask questions and discuss how the new forum should work."
The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 29 from 5pm until 6pm online in Microsoft Teams.
Private tenants who would like to attend are asked to sign up in advance using the registration link above. For more information, contact [email protected]
The Private Tenants Forum builds on wider work to support and improve the private rented sector in Powys, including the council's Landlords Forum, which brings private landlords, council housing specialists and Rent Smart Wales representatives together to provide clear guidance on legislative and regulatory changes, property standards, registration, licensing and compliance.
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