‘Revenge evictions’ following tenant repair requests still common, says Shelter

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Private renters who complained to their landlord, letting agent or local council in the last three years were two and a half times (159%) more likely to be handed an eviction notice than those who kept quiet.

New research from Shelter – compiled by YouGov using online survey results from 2,000 renters – also reveals that a quarter of private renters in England (25%) have not asked their landlord for repairs to be carried out or conditions to be improved for fear of being evicted.

Disrepair

It says that in the last year, 76% have experienced disrepair in their home, 51% had issues with damp and mould, 31% had problems with lack of hot water or heating, and 18% experienced electrical hazards or issues with essential safety equipment.

Shelter reports that since the beginning of the year, its online advice pages on disrepair have been accessed every 18 seconds, a 53% increase on the same period last year.

The charity is urging the government to urgently introduce the Renters’ Reform Bill to put an end to unfair evictions, drive up standards, and hold landlords to account for poor behaviour.

Chief executive Polly Neate (pictured) says that by dragging its heels, the government has left private renters in a terrible catch-22; they either shut up and put up with disrepair, or risk more than doubling their chances of eviction in a cost-of-living crisis.

“Renters are bearing the brunt of government dithering over urgently needed private rental reforms,” adds Neate.

“Renters can’t wait any longer, the government must urgently make its Renters’ Reform Bill law to protect tenants who call out poor conditions from unfair evictions and homelessness.”

Read more: How to handle the eviction process.

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