International Tenants Day
Paving the Way for Affordable Rental Housing in Wales.
International Tenants Day is a global commemorative event that highlights the significance of secure and affordable housing for all. The global theme this year is: ‘A New Deal for Affordable Housing.’
In Wales, we want this day to take on special meaning as we assess the current state of housing and advocate for policies that ensure everyone has access to safe and reasonably priced accommodation which is one of the key elements in the UN Rights to adequate housing. We also want this day to serve as a reminder of the rights, challenges, and inequalities faced by renters across Wales, particularly the specific challenges experienced by ethnic minority tenants - the crucial issue of racial disparities in housing and how we can foster a more inclusive rental landscape.
Wales like many other regions, faces its own set of challenges regarding housing. Affordability, availability, and quality of a property/house are persistent concerns for tenants. Rising housing costs, particularly in urban areas, have put immense pressure on families and individuals, making it increasingly difficult to secure suitable accommodation. Working towards making more affordable housing options in Wales will indicate a significant step towards a more equitable housing landscape which can address the various aspects of housing, including accessibility, affordability, racial disparities and ethnic minority tenants' rights.
This year’s International Tenants’ Day, we would like all stakeholders in Wales to look into the following that pertain to race specific disparities within the Welsh Housing Sector:
Access to Quality Housing: Ethnic minority communities in Wales often encounter barriers when seeking safe, affordable, and high-quality housing options. Discriminatory practices and systemic biases often limit access to preferred accommodation.
Affordability and Income Disparities: Income disparities among ethnic minorities worsen housing affordability challenges. Limited access to well-paying jobs and educational opportunities plays a role in the ability to secure suitable housing. It will be helpful to set rents at levels that are genuinely affordable for individuals and families of all income levels which should include exploring rent control measures to prevent disparate increases.
Discrimination, Tenant Rights and Protections: Instances of discrimination based on race or ethnicity persist in the housing sector in Wales. Strengthening tenants’ rights and ensuring that renters have a voice and legal recourse in disputes with landlords such as provisions for adequate notice periods and protection against unfair eviction will help in addressing this. Wales is very much on the right path with this.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming environment that respects the cultural diversity of tenants is vital. Language barriers, cultural practices, and a lack of representation in housing policies can lead to feelings of exclusion.
Community Engagement: to encourage active participation from communities, tenants, and advocacy groups in shaping housing policies. This collaborative approach will help to ensure that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are considered.
Addressing Homelessness: Efforts to combat homelessness are equally important and therefore to focus on both prevention and support for those experiencing housing uncertainties.
International Tenants Day is another day to remind stakeholders of the importance of having access to affordable, dignified and secure housing. It is another day to:
1. Acknowledge the struggles and inequalities that continue to be present in the Housing sector.
2. Address racial disparities in Welsh Housing sector
3. Advocate for change and reforms to policies to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal access to housing
4. Advance/Promote the importance of delivering cultural competency and cultural sensitivity training to landlords, housing providers and stakeholders to foster more inclusive practices.
5. Actively involve ethnic minority communities in shaping housing policies that will reflect their unique needs and concerns.
6. Arrange for accessible information and resources in multiple languages to empower ethnic minority tenants to understand their rights, navigate the rental market, and access available support services.
As we mark International Tenants Day in Wales, it's vital to reflect on the progress made whilst recognising the collective efforts required to achieve a fair, inclusive and accessible housing system, make a commitment to providing every individual and family with the opportunity to live in safe, secure, and affordable homes.
Thank you for reading. Please spare a few minutes to fill the short survey https://forms.office.com/e/dsjYHN89k4Top of Form . The survey will help us inform any proposals we make to Housing Stakeholders with regards to Housing policies in Wales.