Shelter research playing on fears

Responding to new research published by Shelter today, the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) says that no one should feel ill or stressed as a result of their housing situation, whether that it is in the private or social rented sectors or in the home ownership market.

The RLA however urges caution on groups claiming to represent tenants who might be fuelling stress felt by them by giving the false impression that landlords spend all their time looking for ways to evict their tenants or increase their rents.

Rather than relying on limited sample, one-off polls where the questions may be loaded, the RLA points to official statistics which show that:

• 84% of private sector tenants are very or fairly satisfied with their current accommodation, a higher proportion than tenants in the social rented sector.
• Private sector tenants live in the same rental properties for an average of 4.1 years.
• The proportion of private rented housing with at least one of the most dangerous ‘Category 1’ hazards has halved over the last ten years to 14%.
• The amount that tenants in private rented housing are paying in rent as a proportion of their income is falling, whilst in the social rented sector it is increasing.
• Almost 90% of tenancies brought to an end are done so by the tenant, not the landlord.

David Smith, Policy Director for the RLA, said:

“We accept that, unfortunately, some private sector tenants will feel unhappy and stressed as a result of their housing but the same will apply to many social housing tenants and owner occupiers. We accept also that not all landlords are perfect but the objective assessment is that the overwhelming majority of private sector tenants are satisfied with their accommodation and enjoy a good relationship with their landlord.

“It is vital that tenant groups properly reflect this, rather than stoking fears that tenants are about to be evicted for no apparent reason, live in sub-standard accommodation and are charged exorbitant rents. This is simply not true and it is irresponsible to suggest so.

“We do all we can to support landlords to provide high standard, secure and affordable tenancies and we call on tenant organisations to work with us to help achieve this and root out the bad landlords that none of us wishes to see in the market.”

Shelter’s Press Release:

2 million renters in England made ill by housing worries

Almost one in four private renters – equivalent to 2 million adults – have felt physically ill or sick because of housing problems or worries in the last year, shocking research by Shelter reveals today.

The new study from Shelter and YouGov shows the dramatic impact that housing worries like affording the rent, poor conditions and the threat of eviction are having on people’s physical and mental health.

A staggering 45% of private renters (or 3.8 million adults) have experienced stress and anxiety as a direct result of their housing concerns, with nearly one in three (2.8 million adults) saying this has kept them awake at night. Distressingly, almost the same number of renters said their housing situation had left them feeling hopeless (2.7 million adults).

At a time of year that can be difficult and bleak for many, Shelter is urging anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by their housing problems to get in touch for free and expert advice by visiting www.shelter.org.uk/get_help.

As well as the many advice pages on its website, the leading housing charity operates a free web-chat service, emergency national helpline, and face-to-face services across the country.

Shelter emergency helpline manager Andrea Deakin said: “This time of year can be especially stressful and difficult for families who are struggling to cope with big rent bills, or things like cold and mouldy homes during the winter months.

“Every day at Shelter we see the toll that expensive, unstable or poor-quality private renting can take on people’s lives and their health. We know how easy it can be to lose hope and feel overwhelmed by these worries, but our message is that you do not have to face them alone.

“People all over the country will be experiencing the same housing heartache, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Shelter’s services are open 365 days a year, and with the continued support of the public we will do all we can to be there for everyone who needs us.”

Shelter is also asking those who can afford to do so, to support its Winter Appeal and raise vital funds for the charity’s frontline services as they work to help the people worst affected by the housing emergency.

Claire Newton, 41, her husband and two children were renting in Poole and had severe problems with disrepair. They received a Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction from their landlord and subsequently became homeless when they couldn’t find another home they could afford. The family was placed in temporary accommodation by the council, but they have since moved into a housing association home.

“We went through hell fighting for repairs to be done and then we got an eviction notice. I was in a mess and couldn’t function properly. Everything felt like it was going wrong. I already had problems with my mental health and suffered from post-natal depression following the birth of my first child.

“The worst bit was when I was trying to get the landlord to fix the issues in the kitchen. It was falling apart – cupboard doors would come off in my hands when I was trying to open them. I asked them to have a look at it and they just said, ‘it’s fine, it’s still functional’. How can you expect people to live like that? You get to the point where you don’t want to invite people to your home because it’s embarrassing so you start feeling isolated and less sociable. You feel like you’re not worthy.

“And we were paying a lot for the privilege – £900 a month – but we were still evicted. It was a painful experience and so awful. There’s no reason for people to have to go through that.”

Share This Article