BTR developer claims to offer solution to private renters suffering from poor mental health

A build-to-rent (BTR) developer is offering free mental health checks, as Generation Rent studies claim private renting negatively impacts tenants’ mental health.

BTR developer Moda claims offering mental health services would mean “that tenants would not be as stressed as private renters who have to deal with absent landlords.”

Despite claiming private renters are not happy, private renters say they are happier with their homes (82%) compared to those in the social housing sector (74%).

Private renters live in constant insecurity

BTR developer Moda say their new block of flats near the US embassy in London, would include access to mental health sessions in their rent packages.

This would include how to manage stress and how to improve “stress resilience” with sleep guides. Alongside mental health services, the accommodation would offer a karaoke room and a golf simulator.

According to Generation Rent, nine in ten private renters feel their mental health has been negatively affected by their housing situation. Nearly two in five said it has impacted their physical health.

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, claims private renters live in constant fear due to eviction.

He said: “Because landlords don’t need a reason to evict us, renters live in constant insecurity, which does incredible damage to our psychological wellbeing.”

Can’t get these services with private renting

Moda claim BTR is an important choice for renters, offering wellbeing services that private renting cannot provide.

Lydia Eustace, head of wellbeing at Moda, told The Telegraph: “Offering these mental health services means that tenants will not be as stressed as private renters who have to deal with absent landlords.

“It’s why build-to-rent (BTR) is so important as an option for renters. We’re running this for the long-term. You can’t possibly get these services with private renting.”

However, despite Moda claiming their services offer mental health support, many renters would simply not be able to afford the rent prices for Moda’s new development, which cost £2,600 per month, with a three-bedroom flat costing £4,600 per month.

This means private renters would need to earn more than £31,000 for a standard apartment and £55,000 for a three-bed, not including bills, food, or other living costs.