Posted 11.06.19
Shelter: Further reading
New figures released by Shelter show that over half (56%) of social renters in England - five million people - have experienced a problem with their home in the last three years, including electrical hazards, gas leaks and faulty lifts.
Among those who had a problem, one in 10 had to report it more than 10 times - suggesting tenants are still being failed by poor regulation.
Worryingly, the survey carried out by YouGov shows that over the same period more than 400,000 people encountered an issue with fire safety, which also affected their neighbours in over two-fifths of cases.
Shelter is concerned that?the current regulator of social housing exists mainly to oversee finances and is not exclusively focussed on addressing the concerns of residents or tackling problem landlords head-on.
In fact, almost three-quarters (72%) of social tenants in England have never heard of the current regulator.
The research also reveals a deep mistrust in the government since the Grenfell Tower fire, with half saying they have less trust in the government to keep social tenants safe in their homes.
Another third says the government's response has made no difference. This is why Shelter and Grenfell United believe that only a new consumer regulator can protect tenants and rebuild trust.
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