Quarter of private tenants avoid asking landlord for repairs over eviction fears

29 March 2023 , 23:01

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25% of private renters polled said they have not asked for repairs to be carried out conditions improved due to fear of eviction (Image: Getty Images)

A quarter of private tenants in England have avoided asking their landlord for repairs or improved conditions for fear of being evicted, a survey shows today.

The alarming research conducted by the homelessness charity Shelter claims three in four people in the sector have also experienced disrepair in their home.

The organisation has accused the Government of "dragging its heels" on crucial reforms to the rental sector, leaving tenants in a "terrible catch 22".

"They either shut up or put up with disrepair, or risk more than doubling their chances of eviction in a cost-of-living crisis", Chief Executive Polly Neate said.

According to research by YouGov for the charity, 25% of private renters polled said they have not asked for repairs to be carried out conditions improved due to fear of eviction.

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The survey of 2,006 renters aged 16 and above also found that 76% had experienced disrepair in the past year, while 51% had experienced damp and/or mould in that time.

Tenants are in a 'terrible catch 22' says Shelter's Chief Executive Polly Neate (Richard Gardner/REX/Shutterstock)

Almost a third - 31% - said they had had a problem with the boiler, no hot water or no heating in the past year.

A further 21% also said they had complained to a council, landlord, or letting agent, on issues such as repairs in the last three years and also been evicted or threatened with eviction in the same period.

Ms Neate added: "It is a travesty that so many private renters are too afraid to complain about the mould growing all over their kids’ clothes, or the water pouring in through broken window frames, in case it costs them their home.

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

"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.“

The Department for Levelling Up has been contacted for comment.

Ashley Cowburn