Below is a template letter you can use to email your MP, but please free free to adapt of change this - especially adding in your own experiences.
The MP for UCL Bloomsbury is Sir Keir Starmer (contact details here) and the MP for UCL East is Uma Kumaran (contact details here)
Just remember, MP's can only respond to casework from people living in their area so make sure to add your address to any email or letter you send.
Dear [MP’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to express my concern about the Renters’ Rights Bill. I am a student at UCL and a constituent of yours. As you are aware, this bill is crucial for ensuring fair treatment and security for renters across the country. However, students are being excluded from some of these rights. I am asking you to consider two aspects of the Bill:
- Ban on No-Fault Evictions for Students: Students are particularly vulnerable to no-fault evictions, which can disrupt their education and cause significant stress. The Bill currently proposes protections for tenants from no fault evictions but has a specific exclusion for students. I would like to see this exclusion removed. By banning no-fault evictions for students, we can provide them with the stability they need to focus on their studies and personal development. [Insert your personal story or experience related to no-fault evictions]
- Abolishing Guarantors and Upfront Rent: Many tenants, especially those from low-income backgrounds or without family support including care experienced, struggle to find guarantors or pay large sums of rent upfront. International students too are usually unable to provide a UK based guarantor. This often means landlords won't rent to students or require 6months - 12 months rent upfront. This practice is exclusionary and places an undue burden on these renters. Banning guarantors and upfront rent will make renting more accessible, affordable and fair for everyone. [Insert your personal story or experience related to guarantors or upfront rent]
I urge you to support amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill that include these protections. By doing so, you will be taking a significant step towards ensuring that all renters, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to safe and secure housing.
Students' Union UCL are making representations on behalf of students and I'd encourage you to meet with them to hear more about the positive impact these amendments could have. You can contact the Students' Union President Goksu Danaci at [email protected]Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your positive response and to seeing these important changes reflected in the final bill.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]