At December’s Full Council, Islington Labour tabled a motion to protect private renters across Islington – building on our strong record and promising to deliver for our residents as they experience the difficulties of the housing crisis in our borough.

The motion builds on the Labour Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill by reaffirming our commitment to creating a fairer and safer private rental market for all residents to be treated with equal dignity and respect.

For nearly one third of the Islington residents who rent privately, the Renters’ Rights Bill provides a vital route towards better living standards, housing security, and accountability against their landlords.

The renewal of the council-wide additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will be extended to seven additional wards (Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction, and Laycock). The scheme requires landlords to meet clear standards to let out their property and allows the council to regulate private rented properties in Islington to ensure they are of a high standard for our residents.

By supporting reforms that reflect the realities of renting today, Islington Council can deliver meaningful change for our residents. A transformation that will positively affect the lives of nearly a third of Islington residents, allowing communities across the borough to flourish as renters are able to find stabilities in their homes.

The Council are also creating a long-term communications plan which focuses on awareness and education around renters’ rights. Collaborating with local partners, organisations, and trade unions will ensure that knowledge and education will be available to all private renters.

Islington Council’s work and the Government’s reforms are a leap towards a fairer renter’s market in Islington that provides support and dignity for all those renting in the borough.