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Cambridge City Council

Council to host free advice forum for private rental tenants in Cambridge

3 October 2023

CAMBRIDGE City Council is hosting a free advice forum on Saturday 21 October, open to all tenants who live in privately rented accommodation in the city.

The free event takes place at the Community Room at Cambridge Fire Station, Parkside Place, Cambridge, CB1 1JF from 2pm-4pm.

It will provide an opportunity for tenants living in private rented accommodation to come along and find out how the council and other service providers – including Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue, Cambridge University Students’ Union and ACORN community organisation – can support them and help ensure their home is safe, legal and sustainable. According to the last Census, in 2021, around 31% of Cambridge households rented privately – up from 26% in the previous Census.

On the day there will be a series of presentations and interactive discussions, including on topics such as:

  • The safety and suitability of rented accommodation, including what tenants can do if it is affected by damp, mould and excess cold
  • Help and advice for private renters worried about fuel poverty
  • Dealing with fire safety and fire prevention concerns in rented accommodation
  • Tenancy sustainment – how the council and partners can help if you are struggling to pay your rent.

There will also be an opportunity to chat informally with the different organisations’ representatives, report any concerns to council officers in confidence and to enjoy some free light refreshments.

This is a free event, however places are limited, so people wishing to attend are asked to email ProjectResidential@cambridge.gov.uk to secure a place.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness, said: “The council is committed to supporting the large number of private tenants we have in Cambridge. We live in a city with a very mobile population that needs safe and comfortable living accommodation.

“The council already works hard to support private renters, with teams on hand to respond to any concerns that tenants raise with us and to investigate any issues on a case by case basis. This, along with events for tenants and landlords alike, forms an important part of our work to drive up housing standards in Cambridge’s private sector.”

Any private tenants with concerns or questions about the condition or management of their private accommodation in Cambridge can contact the council’s Environmental Health team on 01223 457900 or residential.eh@cambridge.gov.uk and there is more information for private renters on the council website at www.cambridge.gov.uk/private-rented-accommodation.