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One in four renters made ill by housing worries, survey reveals

Almost one in four private renters have felt physically ill or sick because of housing problems or worries in the past year, research by Shelter has revealed.

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One in four renters made ill by housing worries, survey reveals #ukhousing

Almost half of renters have been stressed about housing, survey reveals #ukhousing

A study by the housing charity and YouGov found that housing worries such as being able to afford the rent, poor conditions and the threat of eviction have a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental health.

It found that 45% of the almost 4,000 people who live in private rented homes that it surveyed had experienced stress and anxiety as a direct result of their housing concerns, with nearly one in three saying this has kept them awake at night.

Almost the same number of renters said their housing situation had left them feeling hopeless.

There are around eight million adults living in private rented accommodation in England.


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Andrea Deakin, a manager at the emergency helpline, said: “This time of year can be especially stressful and difficult for families who are struggling to cope with big rent bills, or things like cold and mouldy homes during the winter months.

“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.”

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at mental health charity Mind, said: “People in the private rented sector are more likely to have to live in poor-quality accommodation, which can have a serious impact on our well-being, particularly for those of us living with a mental health problem.

“We want to see more research into the links between private renting and mental health, with a more joined-up approach to help tackle the issues that are affecting our mental health, and are rife in the private renting sector, such as poor living conditions.”

But the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) said that many private sector tenants were satisfied with their accommodation, and that the cost of rent as a proportion of income was falling.

David Smith, policy director at the RLA, said: “We accept that not all landlords are perfect but the objective assessment is that the overwhelming majority of private sector tenants are satisfied with their accommodation and enjoy a good relationship with their landlord.

“It is vital that tenant groups properly reflect this, rather than stoking fears that tenants are about to be evicted for no apparent reason, live in sub-standard accommodation and are charged exorbitant rents. This is simply not true and it is irresponsible to suggest so.”

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