22nd
Mar 2021
A landlord group is adamant that local authorities and the private rental sector should work closely together as tenants’ requirements are constantly changing because of age related problems and abilities.
The group claims that a study undertaken by the Social Market Foundation forecasted that the number of households headed by a person 65 years plus could almost double by 2046.
A statement released by the group said that the most important factor when trying to help the challenges faced by older and disabled tenants is for far better communication networks put into place for authorities and landlords regarding the availability of the Disabled Facilities Grant.
The group’s own study claims that 79% of landlords have not been made aware of the availability of these grants, the research also found that 68% are more than willing to take advantage of the grants to adapt their properties.
The group believes that this is a real chance for local authorities to rollout the information almost immediately because the problems will only increase and to stop an overwhelming crisis that could surface if unaddressed.
A spokesperson for the group, said: “Many tenants report they are unable to access adapted properties in the private rented sector, but at the same time, our research suggests that there has been a lack of engagement with landlords on this issue.
“The acute problems facing those with accessibility needs requires urgent attention, and it is imperative that steps are taken now to ensure that a challenge doesn’t become a crisis for the sector.
“With data from a range of sources showing the extent to which the housing market needs to respond to the UK’s ageing population, now is the time for local authorities to work with private landlords to encourage the provision of more adapted rented properties.”
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