Our work with the Private Rented Sector
What is the Champions Network?
The Champions Network is the name for our work in Gwent with the Private Rented Sector. It is part of a wider project – Gwent BOOST – which brings together six organisations in a range of anti-homelessness measures to be delivered across South Wales over a five-year period.
We work with tenants, landlords and other PRS stakeholders to deliver sessions on equality issues, and promote good practice across the sector. Our online webinars for landlords and agents cover important issues like hoarding and accessibility in privately rented accommodation. Our tenant workshops, open to anyone who is renting or looking to rent, will equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to make a tenancy successful.
The tenants and landlords who work with us to inform and guide our work are our Champions – without them, our work wouldn’t be possible and we are very grateful for the time they volunteer to the project.
Together, we are building a fairer, more responsible Private Rented Sector.
Areas of work
Our Champions are the tenants, landlords and agents who work with us to inform and guide our work.
Champions bring a current understanding of the PRS, and of the perspectives, needs and desires of those living and working within it. They help us to plan which activities are needed most, and how to deliver them in the most helpful way.
Click below to access our registration of interest form if you would like to find out more.
Our key project activities are:
- Online webinars for landlords and agents
- In-person workshops for tenants
- Networking events such as landlord fora
Through these activities, we share knowledge about equality best practice and learn about practical solutions to common issues.
We publish information and support guides relating to all our activities. These are developed with our project Champions and alongside expert partners to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Anyone can download our guides for free from our web page – see below.
Publications will be added throughout the duration of the project, as a reflection of the work we are doing.
Our Publications – download here for free
Widening Access to the PRS – Infographic
Mental Health – Tenant rights in private renting
Mental Health – Information for landlords and agents
Mental Health – Support services in South Wales
Accessible formats
Do you require any of these guides in Welsh or another language, in large print, Braille, Easy Read or another Accessible format?
Contact us on 07788 901919 or anna@taipawb.org to request for free.
Rental Health Cymru – a campaign about mental health in the Private Rented Sector
Case Studies
Stories from the Private Rented Sector.
Neurodiversity Best Practice – Shaun
Tenants who are learning English – Sarah
Blogs
FAQs
Yes. Although this project is funded for the Gwent areas (Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire), those living in other areas of Wales can still benefit from our work and get involved.
You can give as much or as little of your time to the project as you wish. Some Champions meet with us fortnightly to work on project outputs, like the latest video or equality publication. Others simply offer ad-hoc ‘consultancy’ by answering questions by email or phone. This is a very flexible arrangement and we can fit in with your availability.
We know that most landlords do a great job and just want to provide a good home for their tenants. We also recognise that some landlords go above and beyond to support tenants who are struggling, and that this can have a significant impact on their own wellbeing.
That’s why we focus on practical, supportive information and guidance to help make things a little easier. We try to develop a positive narrative that does not pitch landlords against tenants, but recognises that we need to work in partnership.
As well as sessions for landlords and agents, we run workshops for tenants. These aim to help people understand their rights and responsibilities in renting, and learn how to access support if things go wrong.
We know that more training and information alone is not going to solve the housing crisis. However, every small step counts, and sometimes having the right information or support can make all the difference.
For landlords, knowing how to support a tenant in trouble can help avoid lengthy and costly court processes. For tenants, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you maintain your tenancy.