Legal News
One in nine private rented homes suffering from infestation, says Shelter (15 October 2015)
Date: 15/10/2015
Housing charity Shelter has said that nearly 500,000 homes in the private rented sector are infested with rodents and cockroaches.
A Shelter and YouGov poll of more than 3,700 private renters revealed that poor living conditions were “rife” in rented homes, affecting nearly one in nine homes.
Nearly half (49%) of those questioned said they had had problems with bad conditions or disrepair in the last year – while more than one-third (34%) of private renters surveyed said they had lived in a property with damp or mould this year.
More than one-fifth (22%) had had a home with poor insulation and excess cold– while electrical hazards were reported by 11% of renters questioned.
Shelter helpline adviser, Nadeem Khan, said:
“Every day at Shelter, we speak to people desperate for help after being forced to live in appalling conditions for months on end.
“Some of the housing horrors we hear are truly shocking – from people who are forced to live in flats crawling with fleas or rats, or with water pouring out of the toilet waste pipe – to those who've been through the ordeal of a fire in their home caused by faulty wiring.
“No one should have to live in a home which is unsanitary or unsafe – and that's why it's crucial to know your rights as a renter. We are here to help anyone putting up with bad conditions.
“Our free, expert advice is available online at shelter.org.uk/advice or through our helpline 0808 800 4444.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Lawyers
Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s leading firms of housing lawyers with offices nationwide – and can advise social housing tenants and private sector rental tenants on a wide range of housing matters, including:
• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Local Authority housing
• Nuisance neighbours
• Section 193 (council’s obligation to re-house)
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.
For expert legal advice on all housing matters, contact Duncan Lewis housing lawyers on 020 7923 4020.