akt are proud to be part of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, as we launch an open letter calling for the Renters’ Reform Bill to be strengthened. A piece of legislation that protects the rights of Private Renters in the UK is desperately needed, and would provide security to many of the young LGBTQ+ people akt works with, who are currently at risk of homelessness, or living in hostile environments.

A properly strengthened Renters’ Reform Bill should end arbitrary “no-fault” evictions. At the moment, private renters can be evicted by landlords with no reason given, which is a major cause of homelessness.

LGBTQ+ people, especially young people, encounter significant barriers when they’re renting in the private rented sector, they should feel secure in the knowledge that they are being provided with safe housing, where they do not face discrimination on the grounds of a protected characteristic. By ending no-fault evictions, this law would be ensuring that LGBTQ+ young people have security in their living situations.

Every day that the Renters’ Reform Bill is delayed, it impacts on akt’s ability to secure safe, inclusive, and affordable housing for the young people we work with.