HMO sector will see a rise in criminal landlords exploiting tenants
9 months ago | 4 comments
Law firm alleges that ‘rogue landlords’ exploit tenants
9:55 AM, 29th August 2025, 8 months ago
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The vast majority of landlords won’t recognise the sector from a survey carried out by a law firm which alleges that ‘millions of tenants are living in fear of eviction’.
The firm, Duncan Lewis Solicitors, also says that tenants endure unsafe housing conditions and some are being asked for sexual favours or unpaid labour in exchange for rent.
The Rogue Landlord Report 2025 draws from a nationwide survey of 1,000 tenants to highlight unsafe homes, threats of eviction and illicit demands plaguing the PRS.
It also reveals that 18% of renters faced eviction threats over the past year, while 30% grappled with mould or damp in their homes.
Also, one in seven battled infestations of rodents or insects, and a shocking one in 17 reported landlords demanding sexual favours.
Rogue landlords exploit loopholes
Manjinder Kaur Atwal, the firm’s director of housing and author of the report, said: “This research exposes the grim reality of Britain’s broken rental system.
“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.”
She added: “Without urgent legislative action, rogue landlords will continue to exploit loopholes, leaving tenants to bear the physical, emotional, and financial consequences.”
Renting brings an emotional toll
The survey also found that one in 11 tenants was coerced into unpaid labour to cover rent.
And 62% of renters are facing rent rises, and 23% have been forced to relocate due to unaffordable costs.
The law firm says tenants are struggling with an emotional toll, with 30% highlighting housing-related stress and anxiety.
The report highlights that 41% of renters paid for repairs themselves when landlords failed to act.
Report is extremely concerning
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “These findings are extremely concerning, and some of the very serious activity referenced is 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.”
Tags:
housing reform, landlord exploitation, poor living conditions, Renters Reform Bill, Rogue landlords, Tenant rights, UK Housing Crisis, UK rental market
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Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 351
10:35 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
While no one would defend the actions of genuine rogue landlords, this report should be read with caution. Its title is deliberately inflammatory, implying that “millions” live in fear, when in fact the findings are based on a relatively small sample of 1,000 tenants (probably only a selected sample that had allegedly encountered issues with landlords).
The picture painted is far removed from the experience of the vast majority of landlords and tenants, for whom relationships are professional and properties well-maintained.
It’s also worth noting that the report is produced by a firm of solicitors whose work is likely primarily on behalf of tenants, and therefore it inevitably highlights only one side of the sector.
The danger is that such reports risk distorting public perception of landlords generally, when the real issue is a small minority who flout the law.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2002 - Articles: 21
10:53 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
What a partial report and article! First question, how were the 1000 tenants selected? If they volunteered then the results will necessarily be skewed as those with bad experiences will respond.
Asking for sexual favours is abhorrent but is it really 6% of tenants (presumably a larger percentage of women so perhaps 10% of female tenants)?
It is misleading to refer to “unpaid labour in exchange for rent”. If you owe £200 and the landlord agrees that you can do £200 worth of work instead of paying cash, the labour is not unpaid.
Duncan Lewis say that 1 in 7 tenants battled pests such as rodents or insects. How is that the landlord’s fault? Many home owners have to deal with pests. In many cases, the infestation is caused by behaviour such as leaving food waste, cardboard boxes (tasty for rats!) and not dealing promptly with problems.
Mould and damp are often (maybe usually) caused by lifestyle and behaviour. It is not the landlord’s fault if windows are not opened, the house is not properly heated, laundry is dried indoors and mould is not wiped away when it appears.
The report refers to landlords exploiting loopholes. What loopholes? There are none. It also bemoans that “access to justice remains patchy, with overstretched housing courts and limited awareness of tenant rights creating further barriers.” Landlords will be very happy to have courts that can act speedily and evict defaulting tenants in under a year. Be careful what you wish for, Duncan Lewis.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360
11:03 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
I used to be afraid of eviction, so I saved up and bought a property.
Its funny, but using someone else’s stuff might mean they want it back.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
11:47 AM, 29th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Landlord alleges that “rogue law firms” exploit landlords.
Member Since August 2025 - Comments: 5
5:34 AM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
And where is our voice? …The good landlords who do not flout the law and provide decent accommodation…We don’t have one.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1575 - Articles: 16
4:00 PM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
A bit like Citizens Advice ‘ Survey ‘
None of these Tenant ‘surveys’ would pass academic rigour.
… ” Lies, Damn lies and Statistics ” !
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
4:48 PM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Statistics: The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions.
If you really want to impress your reader, try plotting the results using an inverse logarithmic scale.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
4:49 PM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by david porter at 30/08/2025 – 08:41
No, but I have seen mine!
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
5:29 PM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Could this man be reported for professional misconduct?
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
5:31 PM, 30th August 2025, About 8 months ago
I think the legal profession comes in a close second behind estate agents in the unloved popularity stakes.