The Shadow Housing Minister met Ealing residents to discuss Labour proposals to deal with the housing crisis in light of their own concerns with rent.

MP Emma Reynolds visited Ealing Village, in North Ealing, on Tuesday (February 3), with Labour Parliamentary candidate for Ealing Central and Acton, Dr Rupa Huq, to launch the party's new policy.

Concerns were raised that people who have lived there for many years are being forced out of their homes due to increased rents, the result of an enforced double glazing window replacement programme costing some leaseholders up to £26,000.

Neil Lemaire, 38, said: "I moved to Ealing Village 16 years ago, and have always been involved in the community.

"When our landlord found out his service charge was going up from approximately £7,000 to over £14,000 per year, he told my partner and I that he would be selling his property. Next month we will be moving to a more expensive rental property which is further away from the nursery that our daughter goes to."

Chair of the Ealing Village board of directors, Dan Johnson, previously said: "An independent survey revealed 24% of windows need immediate replacement, while a further 68% are predicted to last only a further five to seven years.

"Consequently, replacement of windows is recommended by independent professional experts as the most cost effective option in the medium run and also is absolutely essential to put the estate onto a sure footing."

Ms Reynolds outlined Labour proposals to deal with the housing crisis which will bring more stability and regulation to the rental market.

She said: "Millions of people now rent privately but are faced with rising costs, poor standards and little security.”

“That’s why the next Labour Government has committed to reforming private renting to get a fairer deal for private renters.”

Ms Huq added: "It is crazy that current legislation means private renters are subject to rip-off letting agency fees, have few rights, no security and may find themselves in unsafe, badly maintained homes.

"I fully support the new Labour policy that addresses all these concerns and will protect a third of people living in Ealing and Acton, who currently privately rent."

Labour Policy:

  • Give security and peace of mind by legislating for three-year tenancies giving renters a stable home and landlords the confidence to invest.
  • End excessive rent increases by putting a ceiling on rent increases during the new three-year tenancies.
  • Ban rip-off letting agent fees for tenants by legislating to stop letting agents charging tenants fees.
  • Drive up standards by introducing a national register of landlords and making it easier for local authorities to introduce licensing schemes and ensure tough sanctions are in place for bad landlords.
  • Bring an end to cold homes by setting a new target to upgrade the energy efficiency of properties in the private rented sector.