A major investigation looking at rogue, criminal and also just bad landlords within the private rented sector has made some shocking claims.
Big law firm Duncan Lewis Solicitors, which canvassed 1,000 tenants for its report, says that over the past year 41% of tenants had paid for repairs themselves after landlords or letting agents failed to act; 18% were threatened with eviction; 30% reported living with damp or mould, 14% had battled pests or insects and 6% said their landlord requested sexual favours.
The report also reveals that 62% of those canvassed had been asked to pay a higher rent over the past 12 months, 23% had been forced to move out by higher rent and 30% reported stress and anxiety.
“This research exposes the grim reality of Britain’s broken rental system,” says Manjinder Kaur Atwal, the firm’s Director of Housing (main image).
“Too many tenants are suffering in silence - harassed, exploited, and even asked for sexual favours or unpaid work simply to keep a roof over their heads.
“The law is there to protect people, and support is available, but while the Renters’ Rights Bill promises change, ongoing delays mean many remain vulnerable right now.
“Without urgent legislative action, rogue landlords will continue to exploit loopholes, leaving tenants to bear the physical, emotional, and financial consequences.”
The extreme nature of the report has even prompted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to comment.
An MHCLG spokesperson says: “These findings are extremely concerning and some of the very serious activity references are illegal and should be reported to the police.
“We are cracking down on rogue landlords who make tenants' lives a misery, delivering long overdue reform to the private rented sector.
“Our Renters’ Rights Bill will protect renters by banning section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and giving councils stronger powers to crack down on landlords who break the rules - including criminal prosecution.
“This is alongside tackling the blight of poor-quality homes by extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector and introducing a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented homes for the first time.”
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