My name is Jen – I am a 58-year-old private renter. Please support my petition calling for real protection for renters.

In the last few years my family and I have experienced some of the worst England’s renting crisis has to offer.

My husband and I have been renting properties for the past 15 years and have always been good tenants.

When we moved into a property in 2017 everything seemed okay on the surface, but we soon discovered there were areas in significant disrepair.

The gas boiler was very old, and there were periods where we would have hardly any hot water and times without heating. The property also had a severe damp issue and was generally cold. 

Despite assuring us that the issues would be sorted they were not. Our son developed respiratory issues and skin irritations due to the damp and mould.

In 2019 due to another disrepair issue I had an accident suffering extensive injuries. This resulted in long term damage causing me to give up my job, it left me with permanent disability.

In reaction to being reported to the council, our landlords served us with a section 21 no fault eviction notice on New Years Day 2022 which was rejected on a technicality.

We were still forced to leave the property later that year - it was clear that the landlords were reluctant to carry out necessary repairs, even in the place where I had had my accident.

We moved into a new property in Summer 2022 but just 17 months later the landlords decided to sell. Initially they said they would give us time to find a new home; but within days their estate agent was pressuring us to agree to photos being taken and arrange viewings. We did not consent to all of this and a few days later we were served with another section 21 no fault eviction notice. 

As tenants we feel the least you should expect is to be respected, to live in a safe home and to feel secure that you will not have to leave after a short period of time. 

Two months’ notice is not adequate time in which to find a suitable home, and impacts tenants physically, emotionally and financially.

In 2019 the government promised a better deal for renters. But then they caved in to the landlord lobby. The long-awaited Renters (Reform) Bill was watered down so much that it would not make a real difference for renters. Then the bill was abandoned completely after the government called a snap election.

Whoever forms the next government, renters must have genuine security in our homes – longer notice periods, a protected period of at least two years free of eviction, and restrictions on rent increases.

Every month the renting crisis gets worse. Please sign this petition to demand all parties commit to stronger rental reforms and to ending the crisis once and for all.