Critic says tenants paying off a landlord’s mortgage ‘can’t be right’
12:01 AM, 5th February 2025, 1 year ago
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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.
Tags:
affordable housing, housing crisis, John Bird, landlord tenant laws, Landlords, public housing, renters rights bill, section 21 eviction, Tenant rights, tenants, UK Housing Policy
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
10:48 PM, 6th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by maurice Whitaker at 06/02/2025 – 20:38
definitely if people are unable to buy a home renting is an option..or staying with family and friends long term
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
7:53 AM, 7th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Big Issue need talk .. they have sellers that are a ‘business’ so they can claim working benefits and from the ones I have seen are scruffy individuals, often who don’t speak English and sit on the floor outside M&S – they must sell at least 2 or 3 copies of his rubbish mag each day. Hardly hard work is it, and us mugs pay our taxes to support them.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
9:55 AM, 7th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Peter Merrick at 06/02/2025 – 20:26
We are already in a situation where there isn’t any ‘suitable’ accommodation for those who can’t afford market rents, and that is worsening by the day due to uncontrolled legal and illlegal immigration and asylum seekers. What do these people think happens when asylum seekers are granted permission to stay? Where will they live? How will they live? And
It won’t be in the PRS and definitely not BTR sectors.
Sadly, with the Country facing economic devastation, I can only see more pain for BTL landlords.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
10:02 AM, 7th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by maurice Whitaker at 06/02/2025 – 20:38
Landlords are a useful tool to perpetuate divisive politics. But when all Parties use us to win votes, the only winners are landlords, because we can take our money elsewhere.
The Dubai rental sector is booming and RoI is good.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
10:04 AM, 7th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Shaheen Hamadani at 06/02/2025 – 20:43
Tell that to eco-zealots like Milliband.
Member Since September 2019 - Comments: 15
9:33 AM, 8th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Mr bird
Unlike yourself, most landlords can only afford Interest Only mortgages.
Unlike your businesses, non limited company landlords cannot offset the interest payments against their tax therefore are taxed on their turnover.
This is just one of the reasons why landlords like myself have been forced to sell our properties.
The subsequent reduction of properties available for rent has increased rents.
Landlords are just running a business providing decent living accommodation for people.
The irrational anti landlord attacks from people like yourself are responsible for much of the current homelessness.
Member Since April 2019 - Comments: 2
10:52 AM, 8th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Hello
I am not a Landlord myself but do advise clients on property tax issues.
I looked at this headline and just thought I would have a look at the pot who is calling kettles black!
I attach a link to the Big Issue Group accounts.
Interesting stuff which includes
Nearly £6m on employees wages/pensions etc!
Around £120k in Auditors fees!
Around £500k in Directors pay!
So in essence, these people make money out of people buying the Big Issue, donations and grants for themselves.
Surely if this guy practices what he preaches, all these costs should be directed to the people they allegedly help.
Bit of a rant but even as a non-Landlord, I see “Armageddon” coming for Private Landlords.
Good luck to the PRS!
Member Since June 2024 - Comments: 5
11:03 AM, 8th February 2025, About 1 year ago
They tenant is paying the rent to live there a landlords expenses are his not the tenants, always people jumping on the bandwagon wagon, I assume there are a lot of rich landlords out there, but not all landlords can take any more than the directors wage and expenses not even able to take a dividend. Climate is a big issue and we all know it’s fake. The minute a political party who knows the truth comes along uk will be much better off, the lies at the moment are over whelming. About anything and everything.
Member Since April 2020 - Comments: 95
11:15 AM, 8th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Keith Wellburn at 05/02/2025 – 10:34
Unfortunately common sense, appreciation of hard work an taking risks doesn’t come into it, they used to call it the British Disease ie American guy walking down the street watches someone drive by in better car than they have and says “Gee I’m gonna work hard and have one of those one day” British guy says “Gotta bl…. Rolls!” Nothing changes.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 200
12:28 PM, 8th February 2025, About 1 year ago
You’ve got to wonder how much hard work Mr Bird brain put in to establish a very profitable business? I presume he feels he is entitled to share in the “benefit” of his work, so why not landlords? And should the recipients of his services be paying off HIS mortgage? Surely that is not right?