Older renters fear raising concerns with landlords – Survey

Nearly one in five (18%) older tenants report feeling uncomfortable speaking up about issues with their rented home with the landlord, a survey reveals.

The poll was commissioned by Independent Age, an older people’s charity, which highlights the significant challenges faced by older renters in raising concerns with their landlords.

The fear of eviction or rent increases was cited as a major factor preventing older renters from voicing their concerns.

However, the research also reveals that landlords are supportive of stricter regulations to improve the quality of rented homes.

Call to support older private renters

Joanna Elson, the chief executive at Independent Age, said: “With one in four older renters living in a non-decent home, it is clear that urgent action is required to improve living standards for older renters who are scared to ‘rock the boat’ with their landlords.

“There is support from both landlords and tenants for stronger rules, which will be especially important for older renters who face intolerable pressures on their physical and mental health from living in a home in poor condition.”

She added: “The Renters’ Rights Bill – while not the only action that is needed – provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-set the relationship between landlords and older renters so that it is more balanced.

“We are calling on the UK government to act with urgency to support older private renters, and ensure landlords are providing the safe homes they so desperately need.”

Free from damp and mould

The survey found that 87% of landlords believed rules should be in place to ensure rented homes are free from damp and mould.

According to the English Housing Survey, more than a quarter of older renters in England live in ‘non-decent homes’ that fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

These homes often lack adequate warmth or are in a poor state of repair.

Independent Age’s data also revealed strong support from landlords for other safety measures.

It found that 97% of landlords agreed that rules should be in place to ensure private rented homes are free from hazards.

Also, more than four in every five landlords (81%) supported regulations for adequate insulation and working central heating.

Pass the Renters’ Rights Bill

Independent Age is calling on the government to swiftly pass the Renters’ Rights Bill to help safeguard and enhance the quality of life for older renters. To do that, it says the Bill must:

• Prohibit discrimination against older renters: Outlaw discrimination based on benefit receipt and cap upfront payments at one month’s rent
• Limit in-tenancy rent increases: Give tenants more security and leverage to request home improvements
• Abolish Section 21 evictions: Ensure tenants have greater security and freedom from the threat of eviction without a just cause
• Enforce a Decent Homes Standard: Set clear standards for safe homes and empower local authorities to enforce them
• Implement Awaab’s Law: Require landlords to address tenant complaints about damp, mould, and other hazards
• Establish a Renters’ Ombudsman: Provide an effective avenue for redress for all renters
• Create a private rented sector database: Collect information on property standards, accessibility, rent levels and landlord details.