8.4million people living in unaffordable and overcrowded homes in England
MILLIONS of families stuck in unaffordable homes are being “pushed into debt and poverty”, an industry body has warned.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) estimates 2.5million people can’t afford their rent or mortgage, while another 2.5 million people are stuck in “hidden households”.
This includes living with parents or even an ex-partner because they don’t have the money to move out.
The NHF warns that a large number of these households are at risk of being made homeless or falling into serious debt as they try to make ends meet.
Meanwhile a further 3.6million people are living in overcrowded homes, which ould lead to families suffering ill health.
In total, the NHF says 8.4million people are experiencing at least one of these issues.
How to haggle with your landlord and bring down your rent
WHEN you first sign your tenancy agreement with your landlord your rent should be agreed either in writing or verbally.
But if you've been told by your landlord that they want to put up your rent, do you need to just sit back and take it?
To increase your monthly bill your landlord must send you a section 13 notice telling you how much it will go up by and when.
This must have at least a month's notice and must be delivered in writing.
If you're not happy with the increase, you hould try to talk to your landlord and come to a fair agreement on how much you should pay.
Your landlord can only raise your rent if you agree to the increased price.
Matt Hutchinson, communications director for flatsharing website SpareRoom.com said you're more likely to be successful in haggling if you're a good tenant.
He said: "The first thing to bear in mind is that demand is lower at the moment than over the past couple of years.
"That means you’ve got a bit more bargaining power, especially if you’ve been a good tenant, as your landlord won’t want the expense and hassle of having to find another tenant and even potentially face a period with the property empty.
"Failing that, it’s worth seeing if you can get anything thrown in with a rent increase, such as minor bits of redecorating or any bills."
Find out more about how to haggle with your landlord to bring your rent down here.
It comes just after debt advice charity StepChange said it received a record 331,337 cries for help in the first half of 2019.
More people in the north of England struggle to afford their rent, while people in the south are more likely to face overcrowding or be living with their parents because they can’t afford to move out.
The NHF goes on to suggest that 3.6million people can only live decently if they are in social housing.
But to meet this demand, the country needs 340,000 new homes every year, including 145,000 social homes.
Social housing rents are on average 50 per cent cheaper than those offered by private landlords.
Kate Henderson, chief executive at the NHF, said: “Today’s research reveals the full enormity of the housing crisis – clearly, it is the single biggest domestic issue we face.
“From Cornwall to Cumbria, millions of people are being pushed into debt and poverty because rent is too expensive, children can’t study because they have no space in their overcrowded homes, and many older or disabled people are struggling to move around their own home because it’s unsuitable.
“We need a return to proper funding for social housing.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told The Sun: “Housing is a priority for this Government and last year we built more homes than in all but one of the last 31 years.
“Since 2010 we’ve delivered 430,000 affordable homes and to protect renters we’ve cracked down on rogue landlords, banned unfair fees and capped deposits, saving at least £240 million a year – helping to ensure access to safe and secure housing for millions.”
Back in July, it was revealed that half a million working families rely on housing benefit to pay their rent.
Rents have risen by the highest amount in two years as landlords hit back over government clampdowns.
But renters could soon move deposits between landlords instead of stumping up the cash upfront, under government plans.
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