‘There is much to be concerned about given the current state of the UK’s private rented sector’

• WE have to admit to a wry smile when reading the advice and guidance offered by Alex Shinder to Camden’s private renters, (Pushing landlords too far is dangerous, October 13).

Apparently all those of you who are desperately seeking a roof over your head shouldn’t “be too discouraged about queues around the block as some applicants are unsuitable anyway”.

Further comfort is then provided when he adds “Some are just chancers in a rent to rent scam and cannot demonstrate they can afford the property advertised”. In that case, then, there is very little for renters to worry about.

Except that’s not the case, and there is much to be concerned about given the current state of the United Kingdom’s private rented sector.

The main one at the moment is that many landlords seem to see the cost of living crisis, not as an opportunity to help their tenants through some very difficult times, but to squeeze even more rent out of them.

No doubt this will then be followed by them going on social media to relentlessly complain about their tenants falling behind with the rent.

Research from property site Zoopla found that rents increased by nearly 20 per cent in inner London in the first quarter of 2022, and by 10 per cent in outer London. That compares with a modest growth of about 2 per cent in the first quarter of 2019.

Alex Shinder’s advice here is: “Pay your rent on time if you can and behave considerately.” as he seems to believe that: “In these difficult times that will distinguish you.”

Sadly, the people who are coming to us for help and support, who both pay their rent on time and are good tenants, say that this counts for absolutely nothing with their landlords as they face the threat of eviction or, in many cases, actual eviction.

As the homeless charity Shelter has warned, high demand and a shortage of properties in the capital has led to intense competition to secure what is currently available, with one agent saying in 2020 there were five people competing for each property, whereas now it’s a staggering 35 people.

For us, this now has all of the hallmarks of a housing sector that is not fit for purpose. This is why we, and many others operating in the field, are very concerned that the government’s recent commitment to abolish “no-fault” evictions via the section 21 notice process, without mentioning any specific timetable or route to do this, has the feeling of a delaying tactic being used in preparation for it being quietly dropped some time in the future.

However, the 4.4 million people currently living in the UK’s privately rented sector are desperate for much-needed change to come quickly. And unless action is also taken by the government to make rents affordable, they will continue to face a very bleak and uncertain future indeed.

ROBERT TAYLOR
Organiser, Camden Federation of Private Tenants