Much of the current narrative around the PRS focusses on “generation rent” and the problems they are experiencing, but as one of our members has previously said the focus should really be on “generations who rent”, and this is especially so given what some of our older residents have said below.
Seeing these, makes our resolve to make the private rented sector “fit for purpose” stronger than ever, as it’s truly shocking that anybody should have to live like this in 2018.
HMO = House in Multiple Occupation
“Pension does not cover present rent. Flat is poorly insulated. Central heating is very expensive to run, so tend not to use it.”
“Flat in need of repair (nothing done by landlord for 10 years) – very damp, bathroom and kitchen need modernising. I have health issues due to the damp and mould.”
“Draughty and ill-fitting windows, no double glazing, expensive heating.”
“Always the possibility of eviction at any given moment. I have never been given a written tenancy and the rent is paid in cash. There is crime and burglary within the property (a HMO), hence why I have no laptop or expensive gadgets.”
“I experience harassment from another tenant in the building (a HMO). Unannounced visits from the contractors who have been given all the keys.”
“Automatic gigantic rent increase every 21 months.”
“I have had numerous repairs done but the damage caused by them is never rectified by the landlord. Extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom to help combat the build-up of black mould.”
“Storage space not enough for me in my very small studio flat (a HMO). I am paying £159 per month for private storage elsewhere”.
“Keeping warm is a worry. The heating is only on in the main room because of the cost. Bathroom and kitchen are very cold.”
“I have been a private tenant since 1953. My flat was the only one targeted by the landlord who cut the power off for about 24 hours. The contents of my fridge were destroyed and I was left in total darkness. There has been continual harassment and victimisation.”
