A Nation of Renters

A new report explores how renting in England has changed in the past few decades with the number of households living in the private rental sector doubling in the last ten years. It also finds that over a million families are raising children in a privately rented home, treble the number a decade ago. The report also assesses the physical state of private rental properties in England and quantifies the true cost of privately rented homes. Finding that:

·         One in six privately rented homes in England (16 per cent) are physically unsafe

·         Half a million children are living in unsafe private rented homes.

·         These homes have Category 1 hazards which can include severe damp, excessive cold, rodent infestation and risk of falls.

·         Rogue landlords are receiving £5.6billion a year for unsafe homes, 1.3bn from housing benefit.

·         Private renters living in homes with a Category 1 hazard pay on average £157 per week on rent.

Download a copy of the report from the NPI website.