Spring Issue - Camden Federation of Private Tenants

6 The Camden Private Tenantwww.cfpt.org.ukSupporting the Good – Driving out the BadPrivate Rented Sector Conference SuccessAround 50 people from as far away as Blackpool and Brighton attended oursuccessful conference on 25th March.It was the first conference held in London that looked at how things couldbe improved for private tenants, in the light of the government-initiatedRugg Review.The event was opened by Councillor Chris Naylor and was followedby speakers from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health andResidential Landlords Association. The afternoon session was kicked off byDr Julie Rugg herself, and ended with Murad Qureshi, a London Assemblymember giving the London-wide perspective.Councillor Chris Naylor, Executive Member for Homes and Housing Strategysaid: “I was very pleased to be involved in the Camden Federation of PrivateTenants’ conference, which attracted tenants from across the borough andfurther a field, and brought together key speakers and experts.”Chris Naylor opens the proceedings“I was also very glad to announce that we have agreed to embark on areview of the private rented sector in Camden, with the Federation, to get aclearer picture and so inform Camden’s new Housing Strategy.Julie Rugg, co-author of the Rugg Review said: “This was the first event Ihave attended where I have had an opportunity to talk directly to tenantsabout my report.”Robert Taylor, Organiser, Camden Federation of Private Tenants said: “Whenyou hear an expert speaker say that it is expected 30,000 people will havedied as a result of the recent cold Winter, it just shows how urgently thingsneed to be improved in the private rented sector. We will be working veryhard over the coming months with Camden Council and others to ensurethat these and other shocking private sector housing statistics become athing of the past.”Julie Rugg explains her reportFreshwater Property ManagementLandlord Watch“I am a Freshwater tenant and no longer suffer from their neglect of upkeepbecause the blocks of flats here are mostly owned by long-leaseholdersand the blocks are kept in good repair. Freshwater’s standard of behaviourregarding this flat is alright now.”For more reviews of them online go to:http://www.touchlondon.co.uk/business/list/bid/86027http://www.allagents.co.uk/freshwater-property-management/Regent 2000 Properties LtdHave you rented one of their properties?Was it a good or bad experience?(Please note: if anything is subsequently published, it will only be with yourpermission and you will not be identifiable in any way).Member AppealWe have recently been contacted by amember who is a leaseholder and who asksthe following questions:Do you know of any specialist insurance brokerswho concentrate on insuring whole residentialblocks of flats?Or does anybody know of any breakdown oremergency maintenance companies who offer24-hour repair services under annual insurancepolicies or separately?He has had a bad experience of being overchargedby landlords who either use inappropriate brokersor uncompetitive companies, resulting in highlyinflated service charges.Please get in touch with us – if you can help.