Starting a tenancy and right to rent checks: launch event and policy discussion
Law for Life and Refugee Council are pleased to announce an online event on the barriers migrants and refugees face in starting tenancies, particularly resulting from Right to Rent legislation.
The event will take place on the 23rd November, from 3 - 4.30pm. During the event we will launch two new legal information resources aimed at people who have a legal right to stay in the UK and are looking for accommodation in the private rented sector (see below). We will also reflect on existing initiatives and schemes to help secure deposits and guarantors and learn about recent litigation and research seeking to challenge discriminatory impacts of the Right to Rent legislation.
The event is aimed at community groups, advice sector organisations, and legal professionals working on housing or immigration. There will be space to ask questions and share initiatives supporting migrants and refugees in securing accommodation.
Part 1: Barriers to accessing private rented sector accommodation, 3-3.45 PM
Film narrators and staff from Refugee Council London and RETAS Leeds will talk about existing barriers people face in starting a tenancy - including dealing with deposits and RtR checks - and share successful initiatives increasing access to accommodation.
Part 2: Policy-level discussion on Right to Rent, 3.45-4.30 PM
John Crowley from Leigh Day Solicitors, Joe Tomlinson from York University/Public Law Project and Kama Petruczenko from Refugee Council will reflect on their recent work seeking to challenge discriminatory aspects of the legislation.
To join please register here before 18th November:
https://forms.gle/jZBeHCddFN9seeTQ9
Participation is free, a Zoom link will be shared a day before the event to those who have registered.
New legal information resources:
A survival guide to starting a tenancy and right to rent checks
The guide provides an overview of the steps to take to deal with right to rent checks and experiences of discrimination that some people may face when looking to rent. It is aimed at anyone who is considering renting from a private landlord and wants to know more about right to rent checks, or thinks they might have experienced unfair treatment from landlords or lettings agents. This guide is particularly useful for refugees and other migrants, EU citizens living in the UK, people on benefits, disabled people and students. The guide was developed with funding from Allen & Overy.
How to start a tenancy without being treated unfairly (Arabic, ENG subt., 23’’)
The film is aimed at people who have a legal right to stay in the UK - and especially those who have recently received refugee status or humanitarian protection - and are looking for accommodation in the private rented sector. Finding a place to rent can be a very daunting process, especially for those who are new to the country and aren’t aware of its laws and procedures. The first part of the film addresses crucial issues people need to be aware of before renting accommodation, including proving their right to rent, paying a deposit and providing a guarantor. The second part of the film explores key rights and responsibilities of tenants, and shares tips on what to look out for before renting an accommodation.
The film was directed by David Ward and funded by Allen & Overy and the Bar Standards Board.