Anti-agent campaigner quits Generation Rent

Alex Hilton - a fiercely outspoken critic of the property establishment, especially letting agents - is stepping down tomorrow from his role as director of pressure group Generation Rent. 

Betsy Dillner, currently community campaigns manager at Generation Rent, has already been appointed as the new director. 

In recent months Hilton has been highly critical of letting agency fees and said that Labour’s pre-election policies on the private rental sector - including a ban on ‘unfair’ fees and longer tenancies - did not go far enough.

He organised a campaign to galavanise tenants to vote and try to influence the result of last week’s general election in 43 constituencies where renters allegedly outnumbered owner occupiers saying: "Generation Rent is bringing together renters in these 43 constituencies. They are organised, spreading the word, and ready to vote only for those ready to stand up against exploitative letting agents and landlords."

Hilton also took Generation Rent out of the all-party Homes For Britain campaign - supported by Countrywide estate agency group, amongst others - saying the campaign took a “lowest common denominator” approach to wanting more homes across the country. He took particular exception to the fact that the Residential Landlords Association was involved.

Hilton’s statement about his departure from Generation Rent, which was agreed within the organisation three months ago, says: “I have decided that the one piece missing among a diverse range of housing campaigners is a credible and effective political voice. I now intend to work full time on creating and building that voice.”