The Baroness leading a renters’ pressure group wants to work with councils to push tenants’ rights.  

Baroness Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, claims two thirds of private renters are unaware that councils can help them with certain problems.

It says 49 per cent of private renters have experienced damp and mould in their rental property; it also claims only 21 per cent received a government guidance booklet from their landlord.

Generation Rent – which has made its claims to coincide with its appearance at a local government conference this week – says it’s working with five councils to create a Private Tenant Engagement Charter.

It claims a lack of awareness of rights results in tenants putting up with poor conditions.

It also claims 49 per cent of respondents to a survey said they had dealt with damp and mould in their rental property, and 27 per cent “experienced concerns about their health while renting.”

Baroness Kennedy says: “Private renters are at a greater risk of living in an unsafe home than any other tenure, and they are least likely to understand their rights and who can help them deal with problems. 

“The government has proposed the introduction of a new portal to inform tenants, as well as new powers to raise standards. 

“Local authorities will continue to play a critical role, but to make best use of these new tools, our Private Tenant Engagement Charter will help them better understand of renters who live locally.

“The pioneering councils we have worked with have helped shed light on a huge section of their residents who don’t get enough attention, and we’ve found that wherever you are in the country the same problems persist. 

“Every council can improve private renters’ lives by taking just a few steps to make them more visible and make sure they are listened to.”