Ellie Ames 06 September 2023

Eviction fears affecting older renters’ mental health

Eviction fears affecting older renters’ mental health  image
Image: gcelebi / Shutterstock.com.

Every 16 minutes, a tenant aged over 55 is given two months to leave their home, according to new research by Shelter which unveils the toll of eviction worries on older renters.

The housing charity’s chief executive said it was a ‘disgrace’ that people who had retired or were planning to retire, after decades working in search for security, were left with ‘knots in their stomachs’ over fear of losing their homes.

As Parliament returns from summer recess, Shelter is continuing to call on the Government to push its Renters (Reform) Bill through, enacting its ban on Section 21 no-fault evictions.

Shelter’s research, conducted by YouGov, found that 28% of older renters, totalling 400,000 people, were living in fear of eviction.

A quarter of older residents said the fear was negatively impacting their mental or physical health – with 24% saying it had made them feel ‘physically sick’ in the past year.

Shelter’s chief executive Polly Neate said: ‘Older renters may already be retired or planning for retirement at this point in their lives. They shouldn’t have knots in their stomachs, constantly afraid that their landlord is going to kick them out of their home for no reason.

‘We hear from hundreds of over-55s who have worked for decades in search of safety and security later in life.

‘It’s a disgrace that so many are being stripped of a stable home by the gross injustice of Section 21 no-fault evictions.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner