Critic says tenants paying off a landlord’s mortgage ‘can’t be right’

John Bird, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Big Issue, has criticised tenant-landlord dynamics and highlights the urgent need for more public housing.

In an article for the magazine, he writes: “All I know is that we have to end the vulnerability of tenants who are caught in a trap that only enriches the landlord at their expense.

“Tenants in most agreements have only one role, and that is to pay off the landlord’s mortgage.

“That can’t be right in this day and age.”

He adds: “There must be a cleverer way to end this tyranny of housing over getting on with your life.”

Only benefit the landlord

Mr Bird argues that private rentals only benefit the landlord or the tenant depending on the prevailing legislation.

He notes that the new Renters’ Rights Bill could mark the beginning of a tenant-favouring period.

He goes on: “The vulnerability of the tenant, with such things as section 21 ‘no fault evictions,’ undermines the security of the tenant.”

Mr Bird points out that even the threat of eviction can cause stress for tenants, particularly those raising families or living alone.

He is advocating for a ‘vigorous public housing corporation’ which serves the community, including the homeless, trainee doctors, police officers, disabled individuals and students.

A well-thought-out public housing programme, he claims, could alleviate the century-old housing crisis and address the socio-economic disparities that have plagued the UK.

Shift the balance in favour of tenants

Mr Bird says: “Public house building for the public should include mixed usage, incorporating different demographics in need of housing.”

The Renters’ Rights Bill, he believes, could shift the balance in favour of tenants once again, much like Harold Wilson’s Rent Act of 1965.

He adds: “Ending section 21 has become a priority for those of us who do not want to see insecurity legalised.”

Mr Bird proposes borrowing land for temporary housing and utilising brownfield sites for new homes.

He also points to post-World War II prefabricated homes and says we need modern equivalents to deliver temporary relief while permanent solutions are developed.