Complaints about London landlords rise as housing demand increases

A new report has suggested that more needs to be done to stop landlords throughout London from treating tenants unfairly. The report, 'Rent Reform: Making London's Private Rented Sector Fit for Purpose', makes several recommendations on ways to reduce the number of tenant and landlord complaints in relation to London properties. It could also be said to highlight the importance of utilising an Estate Agent when considering properties to rent in London.

The London Assembly's Housing and Regeneration Committee has produced the report in response to recent increases in complaints from both tenants and landlords in regards to a variety of different matters.

Complaints concerning 'rogue' landlords that are employing bullying tactics in order to rent poor accommodation at higher prices have increased, according to the chair of the committee Len Duvall. Unfortunately these situations cannot be as closely watched if landlords are not advertising properties through Estate Agents, resulting in some tenants living in unsatisfactory conditions.  

One of the key issues the report covers is the stabilisation of rent costs, as many landlords have responded to the increase in demand for homes in the capital and have increased the amount they are charging. In some cases this increase is happening whilst residents are currently living in the property. The report suggests that introducing incentives for landlords to keep rent low could help to provide more housing at reasonable costs.

Some of the properties being rented for high cost are not worth what they are charging and the report highlights an increase in the amount of poor housing that is on offer. The rate of demand means that many landlords are not improving the standards of their properties before increasing rent, and also do not work to keep the properties in a good state of repair; despite the paying tenants. The report suggests that landlords should have access to low-cost loans in order to perform vital repairs and that harsher penalties should be in place for those who continue not to repair properties.

In order to receive the best standards for the best cost, it is advisable that those looking for Properties in London use an Estate Agent to do so. Estate Agents are able to advise on what they should be paying in different areas and to help tenants find the correct property for their needs.

 

Published 9th July, 2013

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