Worries over private renting is causing millions of people to become physically ill or sick, a new survey has revealed.
The survey, published by Shelter, shows problems such as poor housing conditions and affording the rent are making two million adults unwell.
It also found 45% of renters (3.8 million adults) have experienced stress and anxiety as a direct result of their housing concerns, with 2.7 million adults left feeling hopeless.
Shelter emergency helpline manager, Andrea Deakin, said: ‘Every day at Shelter we see the toll that expensive, unstable or poor-quality private renting can take on people’s lives and their health. We know how easy it can be to lose hope and feel overwhelmed by these worries, but our message is that you do not have to face them alone.’
Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s housing spokesman, said: 'It is alarming that so many private renters are suffering from housing worries, and councils want to work with government to help meet the challenges renters face.
'With more powers such as the freedom to establish landlord licensing schemes, councils would be better placed to support a good quality local private rented offer in their communities.'