Some 87% of older tenants think rules should be in place to ensure rented homes are free from damp and mould, ahead of the second reading of the Renters Rights Bill in parliament this week.
One in five (18%) feel uncomfortable raising such concerns with their landlords, for fear of being revenge evicted.
The poll was commissioned by older people’s charity Independent Age.
Joanna Elson, chief executive at Independent Age, said: “With one in four older renters living in a non-decent home, it is clear that urgent action is required to improve living standards for older renters who are scared to ’rock the boat’ with their landlords.
“There is support from both landlords and tenants for stronger rules, which will be especially important for older renters who face intolerable pressures on their physical and mental health from living in a home in poor condition.
“The Renters’ Rights Bill – while not the only action that is needed – provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-set the relationship between landlords and older renters so that it is more balanced.
“We are calling on the UK government to act with urgency to support older private renters, and ensure landlords are providing the safe homes they so desperately need.”
More than four in every five landlords (81%) agree that rules should be in place to ensure homes are adequately insulated and have working central heating.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will see the introduction of Awaab’s Law in the private rented sector, forcing landlords to act when a tenant complains about damp, mould and other hazards in their home.
Meanwhile there will be a new private rented sector landlord ombudsman to deal with tenant complaints.
