Renfrewshire CAB

Renfrewshire CAB is aware that many private sector tenants in Renfrewshire are facing unlawful charges by landlords and letting agencies which cause real hardship. Only around 5% of Renfrewshire households live in private sector rented accommodation but problems with private tenancies represent over 22% of housing issues brought to the bureau.

We think the cases we see in the bureau may be just “the tip of the iceberg” and we want to get a better idea of how widespread the problem is in our area. We’d like anyone who has rented, or is still renting, privately in Renfrewshire to complete out short, confidential questionnaire to tell us about the charges they have paid. The questionnaire is available online until 31st July 2012 at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LettingchargesinRenfrewshire

Paper copies are also available the Bureau in George Street, or from our Outreach Centres in Renfrew and Erskine libraries and Johnstone Neighbourhood Office.

The evidence collected from the survey will be used locally and nationally to raise awareness of tenants’ rights, and to help us campaign for good practice among landlords and letting agents. We’ll also use it to back up our response to the Scottish government consultation on private sector housing which will inform its strategy for the next ten years.

We would be grateful if you would forward this e-mail to any of your contacts who may be affected by this issue.