Its research revealed that complaints by tenants about ‘shocking’ levels of dampness and disrepair in the property have risen by more than 40%, while complaints of harassment by private landlords have risen by nearly a quarter.
Meanwhile, the number of households privately renting has hit 3.4m, a rise of 40% over the past five years.
Shelter warned that the situation could get worse, as housing benefit cuts and the government’s decision to not regulate the private rented sector drives more vulnerable families to depend on property managed by rogue landlords.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said the study had “seriously thrown into question” Housing Minister Grant Shapps’ claim that the “vast majority” of England’s 3m private tenants are happy with the service they receive.
Robb said: “It’s frightening to see that complaints about bad landlords are increasing at the very time that renting a home is fast becoming the only option for thousands of families across this country. It appears that rogue landlords are cashing in on this growing market.”
Shelter called on Shapps to tackle rogue landlords by ensuring that all local authorities sign up to a minimum standard accreditation scheme.
The scheme sets standards for the running and condition of private rented accommodation, which landlords can sign up to, which Shelter said would allow tenants to spot the good landlord from the rogue.
Robb said: “The Minister must act now and work closely with all local authorities to crack down on these unscrupulous operators. This will help guarantee that the growing population of private tenants get the protection they both need and deserve.”
