Over half (51%) of private renters in England say their home has made them feel safe during the pandemic, Shelter research has found. A third (35%) live in poor conditions, with electrical hazards, pests or damp-related issues in their home. Meanwhile 43% reckon they pay too much for the quality of home they have. Mary-Anne Bowring, group managing director at Ringley and creator of PlanetRent, said:

“The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, especially in the private rented sector, where the majority of homes are converted flats rather than purpose-built, so it comes as no surprise that three million renters report to be living in poor conditions. “Fundamentally, this research is a damning indictment of our collective failure to build enough new homes of all types and tenures over the past few decades. “However, it is important not to demonise landlords, many of whom have worked closely with their tenants during the pandemic and lockdown to reassure them about the security of their tenancy despite facing considerable financial uncertainty themselves. “The government cannot expect buy-to-let investors to subsidise renters indefinitely and are now facing higher loan repayments as loan repayment holidays did not extend the term but increased the cost. We need to see firmer and greater action than what the Chancellor has announced when it comes to supporting households monetarily.”