Almost half of all renters are living with unresolved maintenance issues in their homes, according to new research.
The research undertaken by Plentific, an online property management platform, found the most common problems were damp and mould, temperature control and plumbing.
More than a third of tenants have had issues with the temperature of their homes, while a similar proportion of people have struggled with damp or mould.
Hazard: More than a third of tenants have had issues with the temperature of their homes, while a similar proportion of people are struggling with damp or mould according to Plentific
More than a quarter have suffered from plumbing issues while one in three have experienced water temperature or pressure problems.
The study also revealed that almost half of renters have experienced three or more maintenance issues in the past year.
Families, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges as it can be more difficult for them to up sticks and move.
They face not only health concerns, but also shouldering the financial burden if they decide to resolve the issues independently.
Almost half of renters who live with children reported that current unresolved maintenance issues were impacting their physical and mental health, compared to 36 per cent of other renters.
These renters also said that poor maintenance management makes them concerned for the safety of their family.
Leak: More than a quarter of renters have suffered from plumbing issues, while one in three have experienced water temperature or pressure problems, the research found
Damp and mould are a particular issue during the winter month,s and worryingly the research found that ventilation issues were taking 88 days on average to be addressed.
Cem Savas, chief executive of Plentific, said: ‘In the UK, winter presents distinct challenges for people’s homes, with renters grappling with myriad issues including damp, mould, low temperatures and pest control, all of which are exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.
‘The correlation between maintenance problems and the likelihood of moving homes within the next 12 months is clear and stark.’
What can renters do about maintenance issues?
There is now a vast array of legislation that landlords need to be aware of when renting out a property.
They need to ensure their rental properties are fit for human habitation and free from serious hazards – which might include a serious damp problem or issues with heating or leaks for example.
However, the issue is enforcement.
Al Mcclenahan, director of the non-profit advice service Justice For Tenants, said: ‘As it currently stands, landlords are not breaking the law by renting unsafe properties.
‘Only once the council have inspected the property served a formal notice requiring maintenance and repair work, and that notice is not compiled with has the landlord broken the law.
‘Landlords do not need to comply with the minimum standards at the moment; they can wait until they are caught and then spend the money to fix the issues.
‘Tenants know that if they complain, they will often receive a Section 21 notice, so they don’t have any good options.
‘We need a decent homes standard, and the abolition of Section 21, to help ensure families have safe homes.
‘Unfortunately, for tenants, the reality is you either fix it yourself and your own expense, or report the issue to the council, and accept your family may well be evicted for demanding a basic decent home in exchange for the rent you pay.
‘It’s not great advice, but it is the reality at the moment.’
