Renter-capabilities for an Oxbridge U. graduate with a plummy accent and impeccable manners? A breeze.
Renter-capabilities for an average UK young adult of average colour (beige?), unimposing academic credentials (GCE), and let’s say a child, a spouse, or perhaps an aging mother in tow? Beyond desperate.
In 1988, UK legislation was passed that allows landlords to evict tenants for any reason whatsoever. That astonishing gift to landlords has today become an unmitigated disaster in a time of drastically shrinking housing stock. Meanwhile, the current government promises to repeal this oh-so profitable landlord privilege. Alas, some ‘essential’ legislative tinkering seems to endlessly delay fulfillment of this promise. Read more at the BBC: No-fault eviction ban delayed indefinitely by court reforms
Meanwhile, on a standard groveling scale, how low can a gainfully employed but currently unhoused UK beggar go? Read more at rightmove: Rents hit 15th consecutive record, as average property receives 25 enquiries . . . and The Guardian: UK renters offer tenant CVs and year’s rent upfront to try to secure a home
Meanwhile, opportunities abound for unscrupulous landlords. Read more in The Guardian: ‘There’s no space’: rogue landlords double income by ignoring overcrowding rules
