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CAB - Lack of rights leaving private renters powerless
Citizens Advice has called for greater protection for people living in the private rented sector.
The national charity’s comments come as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation publishes new research showing that by 2040 one in five people will live in a rented home. The research also finds that by this date rents will have gone up by 90 per cent- twice the predicted rate of incomes.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said:
‘Private renters are at the mercy of landlords. A growing number of people are turning to Citizens Advice for help with problems with their privately rented home, from difficulties getting deposits back to sky high lettings agency fees.
‘A lack of rights for private renters means many people living in poor conditions are afraid to raise repairs and maintenance issues for fear of being evicted. More people are facing such retaliatory evictions, including many with children as the private rented sector is increasingly where people raise a family.
'Despite all of these problems rents continue to rise leaving many people struggling to pay for essentials like food and energy bills. As the private rented sector continues to grow it is more important than ever that renters have greater protection from unscrupulous landlords and lettings agencies.’
Notes to editors:
- This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014. Contact the press office on 03000 231 080, or via email at press.office@citizensadvice.org.uk, to find out more.
- The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
- The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
- To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
- You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
- Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
- Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.
