Nigel Farage slams Renters’ Rights Bill and EPC rules
1 year ago | 10 comments
Generation Rent claims renting harms a tenant’s mental health
12:03 AM, 15th October 2024, 1 year ago
61
Renting privately in England is apparently so traumatic that it’s having a devastating impact on tenants’ mental health, Generation Rent reports.
The tenant campaign group has carried out a survey and found that almost nine in 10 renters report that their mental health has been negatively affected by their housing situation.
Nearly two in five said it has impacted their physical health.
The survey, by the group and the National Survivor User Network (NSUN), received responses from 814 private renters.
‘Landlords don’t need a reason to evict’
Ben Twomey, the chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “Because landlords don’t need a reason to evict us, renters live in constant insecurity which does incredible damage to our psychological wellbeing.
“It’s no surprise that if you’ve experienced a Section 21 eviction then you are much more likely to live in fear of another.
“One in five homes are privately rented, yet renting in England is time and again proven to be woefully inadequate to meet the basic needs of individuals and families.”
He added: “Now, more than ever, we are in desperate need of vital rental reforms. Westminster is bringing forward a new law to improve security for renters, but it must be made stronger to stop back-door evictions happening through unaffordable rent hikes.
“This, as well as more funding for local councils and more social and affordable homes, is how we will end the mental health crisis at the heart of private renting.”
‘Issues with private renting’
Amy Wells, the senior communications and membership manager at NSUN, said: “This research spotlights the ways in which issues with private renting, such as affordability, disrepair and the threat of eviction, impacts our mental health by not allowing us to feel in control of our lives in a safe and stable home environment.
“We call for urgent change to the UK private renting system, including through a strengthened Renters’ Rights Bill and improved social security support to help address the spiralling costs of privately renting.”
The survey also found that:
- More than three-quarters of private renters worry about affording their rent each month
- More than four in five renters worry about being evicted
- Overwhelmingly, renters felt stressed when reporting repairs to their landlord or letting agent
Around half of renters state that a landlord or letting agent had behaved in a way towards them that made them feel physically or psychologically unsafe.
Tags:
Eviction, housing crisis, landlord, Mental health, private renters, rental reforms, renting UK, section 21, Tenant rights
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Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 58
6:03 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Absolute BS and I am a psychologist.
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 281
6:13 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 15/10/2024 – 16:07
Surprised REITs don’t get more of a mention in these comments. They are about the nearest you can get to actually owning bricks and mortar – minus the hassle, and are obliged to pay out a minimum of 90% rental income derived profits as dividends.
For those used to high exposure to property and leverage they may be worth exploring, and of course they can be held in an ISA or SIPP.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
6:25 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Keith Wellburn at 15/10/2024 – 18:13
It’s not ‘proper’ BTL, and from what I can see, landlords are rather dismissive of the ‘large corporates’. But that’s OK. Large portfolio landlords will continue to thrive, even with all the challenges, while BTR will become a mainstream property investment asset class and, I suspect, will get an easier ride from government, councils, and activists. It will be rather pleasant to know I’m profiting from providing rental homes, but am not viewed as scum.
I’ve topped out my ISA this year, but will move some of my REIT into my ISA in April.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 616
6:26 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 15/10/2024 – 17:50
The government do not care about small portfolio landlords they want them out of the market so BTR have no competition.
We will have rent controls by a different name. Tenants will be encouraged to take their rents to the FTT who will not increase rents but might well reduce them and probably take several months before they assess them.
The new rent can only be collected from the tenant from the date the FTT make their assessment.
My guess is that it will be more likely than not tenants will use the FTT to have their rents reduced and as a way of paying any new rent from the later date.
Another way of keeping rents low!
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1562
8:40 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
“My guess is that it will be more likely than not tenants will use the FTT to have their rents reduced and as a way of paying any new rent from the later date.”
I’d have severe misgivings about any prospective professional tenant (or family member) showing up on a free simple check of the FTT register;
https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 6
10:10 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
I had to laugh at this …. I’m sorry having spent the last year trying to get tenants out who have left me with 20k plus damage it’s my mental health I am more worried about if I chose to play that card…….. but I won’t … I will roll my sleeves up do most of the work required myself and not feel sorry for myself…..
So sick of reading and listening to the poor me’s of the rental world. Would I have commented on this story year probably not but totally let down by the system here in Scotland – total shambles and I’m dreading listening to the horror stories you will all face down South when the laws change.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
11:01 PM, 15th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Westlake at 15/10/2024 – 10:09
85% of Private Tenants are Satisfied.
99% of Tenancies are ended by Tenant choice.
1% of Rogue tenants and their Woke supporters are making the most noise that reverberates around detrimentally affecting the majority.
Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 26
7:11 AM, 19th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Why don’t they buy something then
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 26
7:55 AM, 19th October 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 15/10/2024 – 11:47
Please don’t give them any more stupid ideas!
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
8:31 AM, 19th October 2024, About 1 year ago
I suspect a lot of these people also find going to work or looking after their own children is bad for their mental health.
Also depends how the question is phrased, Is renting bad for your health?Yes (thinks I might get something for free).