howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
from the observer
Slum landlords of the type that enjoyed a boom in the 1980s are again doing brisk business because of major changes sweeping the property market, say housing experts.
Millions of people are being priced out of buying a property as mortgage availability becomes scarce and they struggle to raise a deposit. Latest figures suggest mortgage lending is now a third of what it was at the height of the boom in 2007.
A dearth of social housing, which is under acute pressure as local authority budgets are cut, is also contributing to a lack of affordable accommodation. An increasing number of people have no option but to rent, creating intense competition in the private rental market.
There are now 3.4 million households living in the private rented sector in England, a 40% rise over the past five years and the biggest increase on record, according to new analysis by Shelter. The trend has alarmed the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) whose officers are charged with ensuring the nation's housing stock meets adequate standards.
"People who are in relatively secure jobs but can't afford to buy are moving into the rented sector," said Stephen Battersby, president of the CIEH. "People who have traditionally used the private sector will drop further down the ladder into the hands of the more exploitative, neglectful landlords, if not those who are downright criminal."
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
This is a dangerous trend and one that we in the Maxton Elmsvale and Priory ward, are so well aware of.
Some private rented housing that I have been witness to, have had maggots coming through the ground and others are simply disgraceful.
Of course some landlords are very good and have very good places to rent; also important, are the rental agents; when I worked in Steve Davies's office at the Accommodation Shop, I got to know Steve and his staff and would readily recommend them.
If any one knows of any bad examples in this ward, let me know I will chase them up and try to make teh landlord bring them up to a decent, liveable standard.
Those not in this ward, contact your Coucillor, they will help - or should.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i sense that this problem will get worse rather than better, far too many working people are forced to rent due to the difficulty in getting mortgages and the ridiculously high deposits required by banks and building societies.
the temptation to rent out accommodation without maintaining it to a reasonable standard will appeal to rogue landlords.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
It will and it does - sadly.
Roger
