Older renters fear raising concerns with landlords – Survey

Older renters fear raising concerns with landlords – Survey

0:03 AM, 10th October 2024, About a month ago 4

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Nearly one in five (18%) older tenants report feeling uncomfortable speaking up about issues with their rented home with the landlord, a survey reveals.

The poll was commissioned by Independent Age, an older people’s charity, which highlights the significant challenges faced by older renters in raising concerns with their landlords.

The fear of eviction or rent increases was cited as a major factor preventing older renters from voicing their concerns.

However, the research also reveals that landlords are supportive of stricter regulations to improve the quality of rented homes.

Call to support older private renters

Joanna Elson, the chief executive at Independent Age, said: “With one in four older renters living in a non-decent home, it is clear that urgent action is required to improve living standards for older renters who are scared to ‘rock the boat’ with their landlords.

“There is support from both landlords and tenants for stronger rules, which will be especially important for older renters who face intolerable pressures on their physical and mental health from living in a home in poor condition.”

She added: “The Renters’ Rights Bill – while not the only action that is needed – provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-set the relationship between landlords and older renters so that it is more balanced.

“We are calling on the UK government to act with urgency to support older private renters, and ensure landlords are providing the safe homes they so desperately need.”

Free from damp and mould

The survey found that 87% of landlords believed rules should be in place to ensure rented homes are free from damp and mould.

According to the English Housing Survey, more than a quarter of older renters in England live in ‘non-decent homes’ that fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

These homes often lack adequate warmth or are in a poor state of repair.

Independent Age’s data also revealed strong support from landlords for other safety measures.

It found that 97% of landlords agreed that rules should be in place to ensure private rented homes are free from hazards.

Also, more than four in every five landlords (81%) supported regulations for adequate insulation and working central heating.

Pass the Renters’ Rights Bill

Independent Age is calling on the government to swiftly pass the Renters’ Rights Bill to help safeguard and enhance the quality of life for older renters. To do that, it says the Bill must:

  • Prohibit discrimination against older renters: Outlaw discrimination based on benefit receipt and cap upfront payments at one month’s rent
  • Limit in-tenancy rent increases: Give tenants more security and leverage to request home improvements
  • Abolish Section 21 evictions: Ensure tenants have greater security and freedom from the threat of eviction without a just cause
  • Enforce a Decent Homes Standard: Set clear standards for safe homes and empower local authorities to enforce them
  • Implement Awaab’s Law: Require landlords to address tenant complaints about damp, mould, and other hazards
  • Establish a Renters’ Ombudsman: Provide an effective avenue for redress for all renters
  • Create a private rented sector database: Collect information on property standards, accessibility, rent levels and landlord details.

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Cider Drinker

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8:51 AM, 10th October 2024, About a month ago

My plan was to keep rents at ir below LHA rates as my tenants age in order to ensure they could afford to live in their homes.

My plan today is to sell the properties over the next 5 years. The constant battering by politicians and the Press is the Number 1 reason for my change of heart. My children don’t want to inherit tenanted properties. I’ll be doing my tenants a favour by either selling to a new landlord (not many are looking to buy) or by making them find a new home whilst they can still pass affordability checks. I find it all rather depressing.

The government needs to make being a landlord an attractive option.

I don’t want to make a fortune in rent. A gross yield of 6% would be nice if there was no great stress. At present, 10% wouldn’t be enough.

Paul Essex

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10:01 AM, 10th October 2024, About a month ago

The trouble comes with the way the questions are asked. Do you want a well insulated home with a modern heating system to reduce your energy bills? Who would answer no.

Tell them that the rent rises required to achieve that will easily outweigh any savings on their energy bills. Heat pump technology and availability of qualified engineers is a problem, a local council fitted their houses and tenants are finding breakdowns are taking many weeks to repair.

Jo Westlake

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12:55 PM, 10th October 2024, About a month ago

It drives me nuts when older tenants don't mention things because they don't want to be a bother.
One of mine waited until New Year to ask permission to claim UC because he didn't want to bother me in the Christmas period. When I bought the flat with him in mind I had made it clear to him it would fit benefit level rent so would be affordable long-term even if he couldn't work or retired. Quite why he thought he needed permission or that I would be upset is beyond me. Due to the delay in claiming he still has rent arrears nearly 3 years on.

The same tenant told me he had had a small damp problem in the chimney breast so had hacked off the plaster, tanked it and replastered because he didn't want to be a bother. What I really needed was to be informed about the damp so I could ask the freeholder to fix the chimney.

Obviously homes should be free from damp and other hazards but landlords aren't clairvoyant. Tenants need to communicate appropriately. Older tenants grew up in a different era when people had far more practical skills and wanted to be self sufficient. They would be far too embarrassed to ask a landlord to do minor stuff like change a lightbulb whereas young tenants just assume that's what we're there for.

Cider Drinker

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13:49 PM, 10th October 2024, About a month ago

Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 10/10/2024 - 12:55I’ve never bothered my tenants with formal inspections. I’ve popped in occasionally whenever there’s been an issue and I regularly ask if all is well with themselves and the property (with credit card at hand).
I’ll be writing to them soon with their latest rent statements (all up-to-date) and to mention how the RRB might affect their tenancies. They’ve always had new fixed terms of up to 3 years. I know they are concerned that I won’t be able to offer fixed terms. I also know that most of them voted Labour so the rents will rise to LHA levels, before the RRB gains Royal Assent. The one that says he voted Reform will be looked on more favourably. 😉

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