HELP LIMIT THE POWER IMBALANCE BETWEEN STUDENTS AND LANDLORDS.

Typically, those studying at university are fresh out of school. 18 and moving out of their parents house. This is their first taste of independence and it's overwhelming and it's daunting and they don't have the life experience to fall back on when facing these landlords. 

Throughout my time at university, I was treated awfully by landlords and property management staff who exploited my youth and naivety because I didn't know any better. The power imbalance between those who rent properties out to students and the students themselves is corrupt and this needs to change. The landlords have access to fountains of legal knowledge and are armed with huge law firms that aim intimidate and threaten the students who dare to raise issues. This is disgusting and something needs to happen to even this out to protect the students from this gross exploitation. Every one of my peers at university had a negative experience with landlords, but it shouldn't be so commonplace to the degree it is normal. 

I am calling for:

1. The government to dedicate resources to develop a committee that acts as a more direct helpline between students and an authority that acts to hold landlords accountable.

• This committee should set up a helpline for students to call if they need free legal advice regarding their landlords and tenancies.
• Impose sanctions upon landlords if they break the laws - e.g.  fines for not fixing essential appliances  (central heating etc)
• Establishing a government page where you can report the actions of landlords if breaking the law, which will act to instigate investigations into the malpractice. 

2. The government development of a 'Rate-My-Landlord' scheme, that enables students to share their experiences, both good or bad, with other prospective young tenants.

3. The respect for students' rights!

Sign and share this petition to help students understand their renting rights and to dismantle the system that provides landlords with so much power over their tenants.