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RENTING NIGHTMARE

Landlords are REFUSING to rent homes to tenants under the age of 35

Boffins at Sheffield Hallam Uni found that one third of landlords were cutting back on renting to young tenants due to concerns over whether they could afford rents

A growing number of landlords are refusing to rent homes to people under the age of 35, according to research.

A study by boffins at Sheffield Hallam University found that one third of landlords were cutting back on renting to young tenants due to concerns over whether they could afford rents.

 More landlords are shying away from renting to under 35s
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More landlords are shying away from renting to under 35sCredit: Alamy

Instead, landlords are favouring older and more secure tenants.

The research also found that two thirds of landlords are refusing to let to under-35s on housing benefit or universal credit.

Alan Ward, Chair of the Residential Landlords Association, which commissioned the research, said: “This research suggests that landlords are moving away from accommodating under-35s, especially those who are on benefit, out of concern that they will not get paid.

"The report notes that landlords are not necessarily looking for higher rents or increased yields from their properties.

"Instead, the emphasis is on reducing risk, particularly in relation to rent arrears and the administration of welfare payments."

Last month, a study by Easyroomate found that young professionals - rather than students - now make up the majority of house sharing rental market.

Rents have increased by an average of 13 per cent since 2013 across the UK, according to the report.

We also revealed how tenants might be able to get compensation if their landlord doesn't sort out a repair in good time.

Two in five people in private rented accommodation have waited longer than they should have for their landlord to carry out fixes in the last four years, according to the data from Citizens Advice.

It thinks that the government should make it compulsory for landlords to join a scheme and renters should be given more protection from losing their home while the case is looked at.


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