Bids open for renters’ rights groups to access Khan’s £400,000 education fund

The mayor of London has asked frontline renters’ organisations to put themselves forwards to receive funding to teach tenants their rights under the government’s new legislation.

Sadiq Khan announced the £400,000 Renters’ Rights Enforcement Fund back in March, with today’s announcement setting out how he plans to spend the money and setting out the timetable for organisations to bid.

It comes after a major overhaul of private renting rules introduced by the government’s Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force at the start of May.

The Renters’ Rights Act ended “no fault evictions” and fixed-term tenancies, limited rent increases to once a year, banned rental bidding wars, and allowed tenants to request pets.

Most of the mayor’s three-year funding programme will go directly to up to two organisations providing free advice and support to London’s 2.7 million private renters.

Applications are open to organisations with the experience and expertise to provide this function, with expressions of interest expected by 7 September. Phase of the application process will open on 13 September and close on 2 October. 

The rest of the funding will help train council officers, so they understand the powers now available to them and can properly enforce renters’ rights.

“The Renters’ Rights Act is a game changer for tenants. It gives millions of renters’ stronger rights and greater security,” said Khan.

“But those rights will only make a difference if people know about them, can use them and have somewhere to go for help.

“That’s why I’m investing in organisations that will stand alongside renters, helping them challenge rogue landlords and get justice when their rights are ignored.”