Wandsworth Council has appointed a Tenants’ Champion to speak up for people across the borough.
Mira Bar-Hillel was the property correspondent of the Evening Standard for more than 30 years and has a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise as one of London’s most experienced housing campaigners.
As Wandsworth Tenants Champion, Mira will help people living in private rented and housing accommodation with any disputes they may have.
These could include matters such as unfair agency fees, establishing who is responsible for routine repairs and maintenance, failure by a landlord or agent to respond to a reasonable request and antagonistic behaviour towards a tenant.
Mira said: “My personal mission is that private sector tenants in Wandsworth, including those in housing associations, have the accommodation that they are paying for and that it is safe, secure and decent.
“Private sector tenants should not be expected to live with major disruptions to their daily lives like leaky pipes, mould, broken boilers and showers, and toilets that don’t flush.
“I can help provide advice including which section of Wandsworth Council can help you as the situation requires. I can also pick up the phone and crack the whip and there are legal measures that can be taken against landlords and agents if necessary.”
She added: “I intend to roll up my sleeves and work tirelessly to resolve the problems of local people living in the private rented sector within the existing legal framework – while campaigning to improve it to their benefit."
Cabinet member for Housing, Cllr Kim Caddy, said: “This is a role we’ve created to help support our tenants when they have any concerns or issues and we are absolutely delighted to have Mira on board as our tenant’s champion.
“During her career she has continually stood up for tenants’ rights including a campaign which resulted in legislation enabling millions of leaseholders to fight back against rogue landlords and agents.
“She will bring her vast experience and passion to Wandsworth. While the vast majority of landlords are responsible, we know problems can arise and we are not prepared to let Wandsworth residents living in the private rented sector to be treated unfairly.
“As our tenants champion Mira will ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to safeguarding tenants’ rights in Wandsworth regardless of who the landlord is.”
- To contact the Tenants’ Champion please email tenantschampion@wandsworth.gov.uk. You should receive a response within seven days.
In your email please provide:
- The full address of the disputed property including the postcode
- The name and contact details of the landlord and/or agent
- Your name and contact phone number
- Then add full details of the dispute, in date order, from when you first moved into the property.
