TENANTS are urged to support others who renting homes in a bid to crack down on bad landlords.

Private renters have a new voice thanks to national housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland.

The Private Tenants’ Forum is an online space for people to share their experiences and redress the power balance between landlord and tenant.

James Mullaney, Private Renting Project Officer at Shelter Scotland, said: “Shelter Scotland wants to make renting fit and fair for all, and to do this we need the help of renters themselves.

“We’ve set up the forum as a way for them to talk to each other but also to tell us what they like about renting, what they don’t and what they think needs to change.”

One tenant who has joined is Jessica, who asked to use her first name only, who has been renting privately for around seven years.

Jessica said: “I posted on the forum about some problems in my last tenancy and another renter told me that the landlord should have protected my deposit.

“It’s a great place to go to just air your concerns and in this case I’m going to take it forward with a bit of support from Shelter Scotland to make sure I have the best chance possible of recovering my deposit.

“I’ll then be able to share my experience with the next person on the forum.”

Over the last decade there have been major changes to the rules and regulations governing private landlords and letting agents.

Shelter Scotland often finds tenants aren’t aware of their rights and some landlords are either unaware or don't care about their responsibilities.

However, the most recent reforms to private renting legislation are intended to make it easier for tenants to take action or for local councils and others to take cases on their behalf.

It’s hoped the forum will be a place for people to share their stories of how they’ve dealt with issues to raise awareness and help fellow renters.

James added: “Jessica’s story is a great example of how we hope the forum will help tenants to help each other.

“The reality is that homes, especially affordable homes, are in short supply in many areas of Scotland so tenants can often be forced to put up with unacceptable conditions or behaviour due to lack of choice.

“That’s why regulation is so important.”

Shelter Scotland’s private tenants’ forum will run online and offline events so people can learn about their rights and help improve housing policy.

James said: “The forum isn’t necessarily bad news for landlords.

“Unless there are urgent safety concerns, our first step would always be to advise a tenant with an issue to report it to their landlord or agent and give them a chance to deal with it.

“We want to see standards rise so we hear far fewer stories of tenants being exploited by those out to make money on the property market without acknowledging that they’re in the housing business and that carries a great deal of responsibility.”

Private tenants who want to find out more can contact James at james_mullaney@shelter.org.uk

The tenant forum at: www.privatetenantsforum.scot