Living in Fear: Experiences of Older Private-Renters in London

The private-rented sector is too often characterised by insecurity, poor living conditions, high rents and lack of choice, meaning that many tenants experience instability and inequality. In addition, the growth of the private-rented sector in recent years means that it is now larger than the social housing sector and in many cases it is the only housing option accessible to many of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK. Yet the problems of living in the private-rented sector have generally been perceived as only affecting the young, those waiting to get on the housing ladder, and increasingly, vulnerable families. Meanwhile the plight of older private tenants has too long been overlooked. The issues facing vulnerable, older private tenants must be urgently addressed, so that the changes needed to improve their living conditions can be implemented.