Messages from leaders on International Tenants Day
Monday, October 7th, marks International Tenants Day. On this day, we come together as a global housing community to remember the millions of renters around the world who form a large part of our communities. From cities to villages, tenants are vital to the housing ecosystem. Yet, as we all know, tenants often face challenges unique to being a tenant—whether it's affordability, security, or access to quality housing – these provide a global cause for us to remember and fight to improve.
To mark this special day in Wales, TPAS Cymru reached out to housing and political leaders from across Wales to share their voices on the importance of this special day. We hope their words reassure you and share tenants' priority in Welsh Government and politics.
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said:
“It gives me great pleasure to lend my support to this year’s International Tenant’s Day. It offers an opportunity to continue to promote the rights and well-being of renters, and raise awareness about the challenges tenants can face, such as affordability, security, and quality housing. Everyone should have access to a safe and affordable home, and I will continue to prioritise measures to deliver more affordable homes, to protect tenants and to promote stronger community engagement”
Expressing her support for tenants and renters in Wales on International Tenants Day, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds said:
“As a member of the Senedd, I like all of my colleagues have a duty to ensure that renters here in Wales are getting a fair deal. Here in Wales, there are over 400,000 people renting in some capacity, be it through social housing or the private sector.
These people deserve to live in safe and affordable housing, and I am honoured to lend my support behind The International Union of Tenants as they continue to stand up for the rights of renters across the world.”
Mark Isherwood MS – Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales. Welsh Conservatives Party said:
“Safe and affordable housing is core to sustainable economic and social regeneration. Tenants need the security of a good home and a responsible landlord, and likewise, landlords need the security of responsible tenants. With one-third of people in Wales now renting their homes, increasing the supply of housing is desperately needed to meet demand and improve affordability.
On International Tenants Day, we thank the tenants who play a vital role in helping shape landlord services and priorities in the Social Sector, and in scrutinising landlords.”
Mike Hedges MS, representing Swansea East constituency said:
“Unusually amongst elected politicians, I spent my childhood living in a council house. I was very grateful to move into a council house from privately rented accommodation. It is important that local authorities and registered social landlords listen to the voices of their tenants in social housing. I believe in the provision of social housing and I am hoping the quantity of social housing in Wales can be increased.”
Sian Gwenllian MS, Plaid Cymru's spokesperson for Housing and Planning and Chair of the Cross Party Group on Housing said:
“On this International Tenants Day, I stand in solidarity with the 236,000 renters in social housing and over 200,000 in the private rental sector across Wales. With rental costs consistently outpacing wage growth, it’s crucial that we advocate for fair and affordable housing options for all. We must commit to increasing the supply of social housing, ensuring that everyone has access to a safe and secure home in their community. Your voices are essential in shaping this conversation, and together, we can create a housing system that truly prioritises people. Happy International Tenants Day!”
TPAS Cymru Chair of Board and tenant, Emma Parcell said:
“As a social housing tenant and Chair of TPAS Cymru, I’m extremely proud to celebrate International Tenants' Day.
TPAS Cymru is honoured to be celebrating and supporting International Tenants Day. In Wales, one-third of people rent their homes, with 236,000 renters living in social housing and 200,000 living in the private rental sector. It's really important that tenants' voices are heard and that they feel valued by their landlords. It is vital that landlords effectively engage with their tenants and are honest and accountable for their actions.
11 local authorities and 34 registered social landlords provide social housing across Wales. Social housing providers engage with their tenants in many ways, including feedback and surveys, supporting communities, scrutinising service delivery, and influencing strategic decision-making.
The Welsh Government's regulatory requirements and the organisational culture of registered social landlords, including local authorities, all place great importance on hearing the tenant’s voice. The fourth regulatory standard requires housing associations to evidence and demonstrate that tenants are empowered and supported to influence the design and delivery of services.
TPAS Cymru provide opportunities for tenants to give their views and engage with landlords, as well as influence the housing sector across Wales.
So today, on International Tenants Day, as Chair of TPAS Cymru and, more importantly, a tenant myself, I encourage you to get involved and celebrate International Tenants Day with us.”
We’re looking forward to marking this special day with an event featuring speakers from the Swedish Union of Tenants, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland. International Tenants Day 2024 (tpas.cymru)