Private renters risk being evicted if they complain to their landlords that repairs are needed in their homes, according to new research.
Housing charity Shelter says millions of tenants either have to put up with poor conditions or risk being kicked out for complaining.
Its research found that private renters who complained to their landlord, letting agent or local council in the last three years were two and a half times more likely to be handed an eviction notice than those who had not complained.
A quarter of private renters or just over two million people had not asked their landlord for repairs to be carried out or conditions improved for fear of being evicted.
Shelter accused the Government of ‘dithering’ over its proposed Renters’ Reform Bill which would strengthen tenants’ rights.
The charity’s research revealed that more than half of tenants had problems with damp and mould, 31% suffered a lack of hot water or heating and 18% faced electrical hazards or issues with safety equipment such as smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
Chief executive Polly Neate said: ‘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.
‘The Government must urgently make its Renters’ Reform Bill law to protect tenants who call out poor conditions from unfair evictions and homelessness.’
