Opinion: ‘There’s a housing crisis on the horizon’

It was a close-run thing. August 24 could have marked another milestone in the so-called re-opening of Britain: evictions were scheduled to resume.

The protections accorded to renters, particularly those who were vulnerable due to age or health, could have disappeared.

Given the recent rise in unemployment, this date might have represented the beginning of a full-blown housing crisis.

The extension to September 20 was only a temporary reprieve. We may be facing into a grim autumn of homelessness and despair.

I am aware of a case of a couple living in our area. They are professionals; one is shielded, due to pre-existing conditions.

They were originally due to leave the property by the end of April.

However, they were struck down by Covid 19 in March; the letting agency which handled the property advised all parties to follow Government guidelines. Despite this, their landlord started applying pressure as early as April to force them out, despite their having paid their full rent, on time, since the beginning of their tenancy.

The landlord apparently wishes to sell the property in which they reside; this desperation to sell led to missives which stated things such as if this couple had really wanted to find another property despite the pandemic, they could have done so.

The pressure has only continued and worsened. The landlord has applied near outright threats in their attempts to force this couple out. This is despite the fact that the Director of Public Health for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire has advised that vulnerable people should continue to shield. Unfortunately, this advice does not have legal force.

What makes this situation even more nonsensical is that the landlord in question has received a cash offer for the property.

This was turned down; the estate agent in question insisted that the property needed to be visited, physically, under their guidance before a sale could be completed.

This is despite the fact that the potential buyer had already visited this couple on social occasions and knew the property well.

The couple have tried to help by posting videos of the property to show to potential buyers; despite the risk, they have stated their intent to leave by the end of September.

Nevertheless, until the extension was announced, the landlord threatened eviction proceedings.

Furthermore, due to the landlord’s unwillingness to provide a separate electricity meter, this property owner is likely to try to stick this couple with an arbitrary power bill. This is despite the fact that the couple agreed to a rent increase of approximately 37 per cent last October, provided that electricity was included.

This is obviously an extreme case. However, there is a broader point: What kind of latitude do landlords have to behave this way, and to treat vulnerable individuals in this manner? I wish I could say that this mixture of capriciousness and malice was unique; sadly, it is not.

The rights of tenants have been eroded over time; a lack of housing has only made the situation more acute.

The Government was correct to suspend evictions for a time: it would have been better if this suspension had continued indefinitely for those who were shielding.

But this isn’t happening; it’s only a temporary reprieve.

So: How many people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, asthma, or other conditions will be forced out and put in danger?

What is their recourse if they get ill?

What is to stop landlords whose sole concern is money, and are willing to pursue that to the detriment of their tenants?

I know most landlords are good people. They want to do all they can to help their tenants. It is in their best interest to do so. It is unfortunate that a small group of landlords spoil it for the rest. I hope they will show compassion during these current difficult times.

Humanity should come before profits.

Furthermore, the council could and should do more for the vulnerable.

It could and should do more to remedy the housing crisis: the Labour Group has been strongly urging the administration to do so for years. It is precisely at this moment that we need them to step up, not sit back.

If they don’t, I am sure the people of this city will remember long after the crisis passes.