Housing Co-operative

A housing co-operative is a group of people who manage and control the housing in which they live. Each person is a member of the housing co-operative and has an equal say in decision-making. No member individually owns or makes profit at the expense of another. All members are expected to take an active role in providing and managing the accommodation and the level of rent the tenants pay reflects the cost of managing the housing.

Read more.

Renters’ Union

Renters unions can give local support if you’re dealing with landlord harassment and illegal eviction. You generally join a renters union and sometimes pay a small membership fee. Renters unions can help with issues such as:

  • requesting repairs work on behalf of tenants
  • challenging landlord harassment and threats of illegal eviction
  • challenging bad landlord practice such as charging illegal fees
  • attending and stopping illegal evictions

Is there a renters union near me?

Renters’ unions with local contact information include:

  • ACORN (UK wide) – direct action union which helps renters in the private and social sectors demand repairs, challenge bad landlord and letting agent practice, and stop illegal eviction  
  • Greater Manchester Tenants Union – represents renters in the private and social rented sectors on issues such as deposits and repairs. Campaigns for safe and affordable housing.
  • London Renters Union – campaigning union which takes action to win homes for people. Helps with issues such as stolen deposits, disrepair and eviction threats.

[info drawn from Shelter]

Landlord’s Charter

An opt-in series of rules and regulations to encourage sustainable and community-minded practices among landlords, especially the less-regulated private landlords. The benefits for landlords are displaying their membership of the charter as a mark of quality and good character.

Here’s an example of a landlord’s charter.

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