Federation stands up for rights of private tenants

Published: 18th March 2010

• I WAS sadly not surprised to read that Karen Averies and her partner, who are living in a very overcrowded, two-bedroom council  flat with four children, were not tempted to move into the private rented sector (‘Sell-offs hit health and family life,’ March 4). 
As she correctly pointed out: “In the private sector a long let is 12 months. Many are three to six months only.” 
She then went on to highlight its unsuitability for families and the poor standard of many properties on offer “…it was tiny and also badly in need of repairs”. 
In the same issue,
J Jordan in a letter about the proposed sale of Cumberland Market estate asked almost despairingly: “Does anybody care any more for tenants?” 
Well, yes, the Camden Federation of Private Tenants certainly does. We recently spoke to the 300 plus people who attended the magnificent meeting organised by the Crown Estate Residents Association – and warned of the danger of a new private landlord taking over their homes and the negative impact this would have on a settled community and the type of tenancies that would be on offer. 
We also provide help, advice and support to private tenants on a daily basis, if they are having problems with either their landlord or home. 
Finally, we would also like to remind any of your readers who are housing association tenants in Camden that we are having a meeting just for them on Saturday March 27 on the theme of Time To Get Together. 
Places are free for tenants and if you would like to book a place or find out more, call us on 020 7383 0151 or email: admin@cfpt.org.uk
ROBERT TAYLOR
Organiser
Camden Federation of
Private Tenants
11-17 The Marr
Camden Street, NW1