The petition aims to hold landlords accountable for neglecting their responsibility to maintain properties to a satisfactory standard, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of tenants. By gathering support and signatures, this initiative seeks to advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to protect tenants from substandard living conditions and encourage landlords to prioritise the upkeep of their properties.

Who is impacted?
Tenants are the primary victims when landlords neglect their responsibilities, resulting in uninhabitable living conditions. These conditions often include critical issues such as faulty heating systems in the dead of winter, persistent water leaks leading to mold, and broken plumbing that can cause health hazards. Such neglect can lead to severe physical health problems, such as respiratory infections from mold and extreme discomfort or illnesses from inadequate temperatures. Furthermore, the stress and anxiety associated with living in these conditions can have profound psychological effects on tenants, compounding the difficulties they face in their daily lives.

 What is at stake?
If the status quo persists, with insufficient penalties for landlords who allow their properties to fall into disrepair, the cycle of neglect will continue, further endangering tenant health and well-being. The societal impact includes increased strain on public health services and potential long-term homelessness for affected individuals. Conversely, implementing significant fines for neglect could compel landlords to uphold better maintenance standards, thereby ensuring safer, healthier living environments. This change not only benefits tenants but also enhances community standards and preserves the value of the property stock over time.

Why is now the time to act?
The urgency of addressing landlord neglect has never been more critical. As urban populations grow and housing markets tighten, the power imbalance between tenants and landlords can intensify, leading to increased instances of neglect. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further degradation of living conditions and to protect vulnerable populations from exploitative practices. Enacting stricter penalties now will also set a precedent for housing policy, emphasizing the importance of tenant rights and the responsibilities of landlords, thereby fostering a fairer, more equitable housing market.

Please sign this petition if you believe fines should be put in place for negligence from home owners who rent uninhabitable properties, properties with pest infestations, structural and mould problems throughout.