Private renters in South London have been hit by huge rent increases in recent years – to the point where many families are now spending around 60% of their income on rent. I have launched a survey to capture the reality facing private tenants in the area as part of a campaign for secure and affordable homes. 

London is facing the biggest housing crisis in a generation and rent in the private sector is rapidly becoming unaffordable for all but those on the highest wages. I speak with many people in Dulwich and West Norwood every week, and increasing numbers tell me they are fed up of rip-off charges from letting agents, huge annual hikes in rent and the insecurity of one year tenancies. 

I have written to private tenants across Dulwich and West Norwood asking them to participate in this unique survey. You can also participate online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VWZZL2T

Please help me to shine a light on the pressing issues facing private tenants and tell your stories as I campaign for the right to a secure and affordable home. The Labour Party has already announced the biggest changes in a generation to make the housing system fairer for thousands of people locally. The next Labour government will ban letting agents from charging unfair fees to tenants – saving on average £350 every year – and will change the law to stop excessive rent increases and to make three year tenancies the norm in the private rented sector.  This will give those who are renting in the private sector a fairer deal and the stability we all need to make a home and plan for the future.