WE NEED YOUR SIGNATURES

At a time when many of us are struggling to cope with the loss, social isolation and/or ongoing uncertainty brought about by the Pandemic, Dot Dot Dot Property is set to increase Abbey Wood Guardians' License Fees (equivalent to rent) by up to 113% per month with just 6 weeks notice! 

We believe that the scale of the increases is unreasonable and unfair.

Why?:

• The social housing Rent Cap is limited to 1.5% inflation for 2021-22 and has never been above 6.1%
• Government guidance around rent increases in the Private Sector are that they should be ‘fair and reasonable’ to the market rate but also to what is already being paid – this is why typical increases sit between 3-5%
• Inflation is currently at 5.4% - which is additionally increasing the cost of living significantly and putting people under financial pressure already.

The Licence Fee increases proposed, despite the actual financial impact being c.5 weeks away, are already significantly affecting our time, energy and anxiety, and our ability to be community champions. 

A group of us have already been seeking support and legal advice from organisations such as London Renters Union, Acorn Community Union, Shelter, Bexley Council and our MPs and Councillors. 

The good news is that the Guardian Representatives of London Renters Union believe we are in a strong position to fight these changes* and negotiate a fairer and more reasonable increase...but we need Abbey Wood Guardians to sign this petition to show you are unhappy with Dot Dot Dot Property's plans. 

However, our power is only in our numbers and we need to join together to demonstrate to Dot Dot Dot Property that the majority reject these increases - they currently believe that most Guardians are content with the unethical plans!

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Feedback from London Renters Union (LRU):

• We are in a strong position!
• Don’t be too too fearful about being kicked out or threats from Dot Dot Dot Property –there are Laws to safeguard our security
• Although Dot Dot Dot Property have set tight deadlines, we have more time than we think we do to respond and organise
• There are lots of examples of Guardians who have organised and won against these kinds of initiatives - and we are speaking to these people
• Recent reactions in communications from Dot Dot Dot Property shows they are getting concerned and what we are doing is working