A recent survey conducted by the London Renters Union (LRU) suggests that one in three private tenants feel that their mental health is being adversely affected by their renting conditions. The survey, though modest in scale with responses from 628 private tenants, sheds light on the challenges faced by renters and raises concerns about the broader mental health implications of the current renting landscape.
According to the LRU, a significant portion of respondents expressed feelings of depression regarding the payment of rent, with three in five renters admitting to such sentiments. Additionally, one in four tenants reported a negative impact on their physical health due to their renting circumstances.
The union’s press statement accompanying the survey results emphasizes the urgent need for rent control measures, stating, “The endemic problem of poor mental health across the private rental system shows there is an urgent need for rent control to take the pressure off millions struggling with the cost of living.”
Highlighting the personal experiences of renters, the statement includes a testimony from LRU member Bekah Hesse-Clark. She shares her struggles, stating, “Every time I think about my housing situation, I am filled with dread. I’ve never managed to stay longer than 18 months in a single home because the landlord has always raised the rent or there’s been a problem with the property.”
Hesse-Clark goes on to describe the emotional toll of frequent moves, expressing frustration with the associated costs and the impact on her relationships and general well-being. She feels caught in a cycle of insecurity and criticizes the government’s lack of action to address these issues.
While some recent surveys indicate a drop in rents for London landlords, the LRU challenges this narrative, claiming that rents are escalating to record highs. The statement asserts that, despite rising interest rates, a majority of landlords have prioritized expanding their portfolios in the past year.
An unnamed spokesperson for the LRU states, “It is becoming more difficult than ever before to live a good life in the private rental sector.” The spokesperson emphasizes the insecurity stemming from rising rents and the looming threat of unfair evictions, particularly in areas like London. Calling for government intervention, the spokesperson urges measures to control escalating rents and alleviate the pressures faced by millions of struggling renters.