Half of tenants are ‘one pay cheque away’ from homelessness – Shelter claims

Half of tenants are ‘one pay cheque away’ from homelessness – Shelter claims

9:26 AM, 22nd August 2023, About 9 months ago 67

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A survey of private renters has found that 51% of them are just one missed ‘pay cheque’ away from being made homeless.

The findings from Shelter also found that more than a third said they did not have enough savings to cover their rent if they were to face unemployment.

The charity’s study also reveals that 55% of renters have seen a rent increase in the past year with demand from tenants outstripping landlord supply.

Shelter says its recent findings show a deterioration in the private rented sector since a 2021 survey revealed that 39% of tenants did not have enough in savings to pay rent.

‘Forced to compete for grossly expensive private rentals’

Shelter’s chief executive, Polly Neate, said: “The severe lack of social homes means swathes of people are barely scraping by as they’re forced to compete for grossly expensive private rentals, because there is nothing else.

“With food and household bills continuing to surge, the situation is precarious for thousands of renters who are one pay cheque away from losing their home, and the spectre of homelessness.”

She added: “The time for piecemeal policies is over. To jam the brakes on the housing emergency, we need a genuinely affordable alternative to private renting.

“We know social housing works for most people because it’s secure and the rents are tied to local incomes.

“Instead of empty words, the government and every political party must sign up to building thousands more social homes.”

‘Delivering affordable homes to rent and buy’

A government spokesperson said: “We have a strong track record of delivering affordable homes to rent and buy across the country.

“Since 2010, we have delivered over 659,500 new affordable homes through our £11.5bn affordable homes programme, including 166,300 homes for social rent.

“Our landmark Renters (Reform) Bill will also deliver a better deal for renters, giving tenants greater security in their homes and preventing large rent increases being used as a backdoor method of eviction.”


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Comments

Mick Roberts

5:48 AM, 25th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 24/08/2023 - 23:09
I agree.
That many of my mates voted for Brexit & I said as much as u think u don't like foreign workers, we not gonna' manage without 'em.
Now them same mates who are lorry drivers etc. have had to overtime Saturdays etc. that they didn't want to do as the firm now don't have enough drivers.

NewYorkie

7:45 AM, 25th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 25/08/2023 - 05:48
I accept we have shortages, but so does the rest of Europe. For the Brexit supporters I know, it was never about 'foreigners workers', who were given every opportunity to remain in the UK in any case. An ageing demographic is more to blame for many of our labour shortages [I'm not talking about barristas!]. Old lorry drivers, old and worn out brickies... Maybe, countries like Poland have become more wealthy, and some of those who came now feel they can return. Maybe, too many of our own young are going to university, instead of learning how to install a heat pump or build a wall. We can no longer rely on other countries to do the work we don't want to do. Our holy NHS is the perfect example.

Mick Roberts

9:00 AM, 25th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 25/08/2023 - 07:45
Be nice if it was that simple.
We have though relied on these workers for years-And I know little of politics.

Glynn Jones

12:30 PM, 26th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 22/08/2023 - 10:34
Come on Shelter, stop attacking the PRS and start showing us how it should be done. Buy or build some suitable properties and start letting them the way you think it we should. Dont winge and expect others to solve your problem do something positive. Show some leadership, show the way.

Reluctant Landlord

16:39 PM, 26th August 2023, About 9 months ago

Half of tenants are ‘one pay cheque away’ from homelessness – Shelter claims

Half of all those providing homes to those who would be homeless without the PRS are 'one step away' from selling up - Landlords claim.

Mike D

10:58 AM, 14th September 2023, About 8 months ago

Shelter are one brain cell away from causing mass homelessness....
Which, is ironic

Beaver

11:01 AM, 14th September 2023, About 8 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Glynn Jones at 26/08/2023 - 12:30
And government....local or central...whatever particular flavour of government you are. Stop giving money to Shelter. Only give money to people who are prepared to use their resources to put a roof over somebody's head...Shelter don't do this but the majority of landlords do.

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