A new group claiming to represent tenants is threatening to “protest, picket and generally make a nuisance” at some lettings agency offices.

The threat comes from the new Oxford Renters Union.

In an article for the local news website This Is Oxfordshire the group says it’s operating against “the property-owning class” and promises action on three fronts.

These are:

Targeting rogue estate agents — “Protesting, picketing and generally making a nuisance at rogue estate agents to make their work more difficult until they meet our demands”;

Eviction defences — “Preventing people from being removed from their homes using our strength in numbers”; and

Council campaigns — “Longer-term projects will focus on winning legislative change from the council to better protect renters in Oxford.”

However, the group reserves its strongest words for private landlords.

A group spokesperson tells the website: “Why should landlords get yet another pay rise by leeching off of my hard work?

“Why am I paying for my parasite landlords’ fancy cars and holidays when I can’t afford to have either?

“Housing should be a human right, and not a commodity. That’s why we’re asking you to resist your next rent increase.

“Resist on principal [sic]. Resist for yourself, and for the others in your community who can barely afford to live.”

The union’s website states: “We are a member-led, Oxford-based renters union that puts renters’ needs first. 

“We are funded by and run by our members. 

“We take decisions collectively and democratically, and everyone’s view is as important as anyone else’s.”