Housing policies failing older renters, report says

A report published by Independent Age has revealed the issues faced by older renters in the current market.

The report states that more and more older people are living in poor and inadequate housing, often isolated with financial and health concerns.

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 renters are older people, with 27% of those living in homes that don’t meet the ‘living home standard’.

The report states that older renters more commonly report problems with their housing compared to homeowners. In particular, they reported issues with cold properties, damp and a shortage of space. But these issues are frequently ignored by landlords.

Even when problems for older renters are raised, ‘we rarely hear how older private renters are specifically affected by rising prices, changes to the benefits system and difficulties finding the right support,’ says the report.

The report makes several recommendations aimed at tackling some of the issues raised, including that all new builds must be fit for purpose for an ageing population, with stricter planning requirements to meet the ‘living home standard’ so that all new homes can enable ‘ageing in place’. The report also recommends the intrroduction of local tenant advocates, who should be available and adequately resourced to assist tenants in finding homes and also in disputing rent increases, eviction notices and repair refusals with landlords.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: ‘Life as an older person in private rented accommodation can be unstable and financially insecure, yet they are often invisible in thinking about housing.

Ms Morrison added: ‘It is shameful that a third are already living below the poverty threshold. Government and local authorities must ensure that renters of all ages have a safety net to prevent them being forced into poverty and that they have recourse to challenge landlords when they feel that they are being poorly treated.’

Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: ‘Many councils are already tackling issues in the private rental sector by bringing in landlord licensing schemes, but councils need more freedom and flexibility in establishing such schemes to help ensure homes are maintained to a high standard so tenants of all ages know they are living in a decent, safe and secure home.

‘Giving councils the freedom to borrow and invest in building new housing and retain receipts from Right to Buy sales in full so they can replace homes sold, will help them meet the health needs of their older residents.’

You can read the report here