An MP is urging his constituents to make their voices heard over high rental fees and poor living conditions in a London-wide consultation.

Leyton and Wanstead MP John Cryer has called for a “better deal” for private tenants, saying many are mistreated by landlords and letting agents and saying it is time to redesign the way renting works.

Mr Cryer spoke out as the Mayor of London Boris Johnson asks for Londoners’ opinions on renting in the capital through the London Rental Standard consultation.

Mr Cryer said: “Renting in Redbridge and Waltham Forest can be a nightmare. I urge my constituents to tell Boris to redesign it.

“I have many constituents who contact me daily about soaring rents, poor conditions and hidden letting agent fees. Local people need a better deal.

More than a quarter of local residents rent their homes. For thousands of people, renting isn’t a short term choice – it’s a permanent way of life.

“My fear is that the Mayor will only hear from landlords. And he will hear from letting agents. I want to make sure he hears what life is really like from the people most affected.

“Now we have a chance to tell the London Mayor what we think of renting in our area.”

People who rent are asked to visit www.http://lrs.homesforlondon.org.uk/page/s/tell-boris to take part in the consultation.