Six in ten private tenants in London are forced to endure hazards such as mould, leaks or pest infestations, a survey commissioned by Shelter has claimed.
The most common problem is damp or mould, endured by 39% of tenants in the past year, with inadequate heating and insulation also a common complaint (26%).
Almost one in six said their doors or locks were inadequate and a similar proportion had to negotiate trip hazards such as uneven floors.
One in seven reported electrical problems with wiring or sockets.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, which commissioned the research from YouGov, said: “Every day at Shelter we hear from London renters who are dealing with appalling conditions and, shockingly, most are paying extortionate rents for the privilege.”
Comments (2)
A quick look at Shelter’s accounts show they have net assets of almost £30 million and a payroll of £39 million in 2015 that generated £37 million income that year. I wonder how many people that donate to this “charity” have any idea where their money goes.
And no doubt 8 out of 10 tenants are abusing landlords’ properties by not heating and ventilating them properly, drying washing indoors and causing extensive damage from condensation. More are probably abusing the electrical system by using extension leads which they then over-load putting themselves and the landlord’s property at risk. A higher percentage will, no doubt, not be cleaning properly and leaving dirty plates and food out all day attracting vermin, not maintaining gardens and leaving piles of rubbish attracting rats. Not heating the premises properly to maintain an even temperature because it costs money. Not to mention sub letting or running businesses using airbnb! Not even mentioning buying on catalogues using the landlords name and wow so many in arrears with the rent.
You just know as soon as Shelter come out with this rubbish that it is wrong and has been twisted to be alarmist. Like an attention seeking child. This is why in many’s eyes Shelter has little credibility.
I am just waiting for them to say 160% of landlords are rogues using the creative Shelter mathematics. I do not support bad landlords but I am also tired of so much rubbish being spouted by these people who cry wolf!