Our Rapidly Growing Numbers

We've seen a welcome surge in membership, in recent weeks. To all our new members: you are the lifeblood of our union. Your joining isn't just a number – it's a powerful statement that tenants in Cheltenham are ready to stand up and fight for a fair deal on housing.

Targeted leafleting has emerged as our most effective recruitment strategy, cutting through the noise of traditional advertising. While social media efforts fell short, precise geographical outreach successfully connected directly with renters experiencing real housing challenges.

The Harsh Realities of Renting

Our community surveys have revealed two critical battlegrounds:

• No-fault evictions continue to threaten housing security
• Rental costs are crushing local residents' financial wellbeing

The average rent of £1,300 now consumes 30-40% of renters' disposable income. Unregulated short-term lets and Airbnb are further distorting the local housing market, creating scarcity and driving prices higher.

Turning Numbers into Power

With our growing membership, we're preparing to transform local politics. Our strategy is clear: apply pressure to local councillors by:

• Contacting every Cheltenham councillor
• Demanding concrete tenant protection policies
• Leveraging our membership as a political force ahead of local elections

The Numbers Speak Volumes

• Almost 40,000 local residents live in rented homes
• Average rents have climbed to £1,300
• Many tenants are spending between 30% and 40% of their income on rent

Airbnb Short-Term Lettings: A Community Challenge

Our research into short-term lettings reveals significant community impact:

• 40% of local residents are directly impacted by Airbnb-style properties
• 750 whole one and two-bedroom properties are listed on Airbnb
• 65% of respondents want stricter regulation of these rentals

Our Successful Growth Strategy

We've experimented with various recruitment methods but discovered that handdelivered paper leaflets are the most effective. Though laborious and time-consuming, this approach is cost-effective and reaches people who have felt voiceless.

Call to Action

"We're not just complaining—we're creating change," says our lead organizer. Every new member brings us closer to holding those in power accountable.

How You Can Help:

We know from our surveys that renters are busy working often low paid work to pay increasingly exorbitant rents. Most don't have time and energy to spare campaigning but want to feel change.

• Firstly, can you print leaflets on a laser printer at home?
• Can you deliver leaflets in your local area?
• Can you write to your local councillor to lobby for pro-tenant policies?
• If you can’t help with time, can you chip in to cover the costs of those who are?
• Make a financial contribution via Buy Me a Coffee

Our Next Steps

• We’ve identified airbnb as the most pressing issue with potential to increase housing supply and reduce rents. 
• We’ve identified Cheltenham Borough Council are best placed to control the distortion of the housing supply by short term lets.
• We can influence councillors by showing them the potential voting power of tenants. We'll be contacting every CBC councillor to set out our mission.

Cheltenham Tenant Union: Our Power is Growing