Housing Solicitors

One in three millennials are set never to own. But despite renting being characterised by less security there are still protections for tenants.
For all the talk of millennials being spoilt and entitled, young people are the ones facing a lifetime in insecure and often expensive rented accommodation.

A recent report by the Resolution Foundation forecasts that one in three millennials will never own a home.

This is a crisis in the making.

Private renting is often insecure. So through no fault of their own, increasing numbers of young tenants live in homes where their landlord can evict with as little as two months’ notice.

This is especially a worry for those with young children settled into a school.

It is also particularly problematic for those with mental health problems. As Paul Spencer, a policy manager at Mind notes, “housing and mental health are often linked”. He adds, “the lack of security in rented accommodation can be damaging for mental health and involuntary home moves can have a particularly severe effect … For those of us with mental health problems, it may also mean you have to move away from mental health services or other services in your community that were supporting you.”

The home is the bedrock for our lives, whether or not we have children or a mental health condition.

In the past homeownership was available for the many. Those unable to buy an affordable, decent and secure home were readily available to rent from the council; however this is no longer the case.

While policymakers and politicians grapple with what to do, there are actions that can be taken to protect the roof over your head.

Dianne Cowie, Housing Director at Duncan Lewis, commenting on these developments, notes:

“Even if private tenancies can be insecure, millennials renting do still have rights. If landlords have not complied with the correct procedure then they may not be able to gain possession of a property. For example, landlords must ensure that the deposit is property protected correctly, and gas safety certificates are provided at the outset of the tenancy.

"Just because the home is not yours does not mean the landlord can do with it as they please. If you suspect your rights are being ignored, it is always best to seek advice.”

Dianne is a Director & Solicitor based in our Croydon branch. Dianne specialises in tenant and landlord matters including; disrepair, possession proceedings, tenancy disputes, injunctions, committal proceedings, homelessness appeals and judicial reviews. Dianne has been recognised as an “excellent litigator”. Dianne’s niche specialism is in housing disrepair matters where she assists tenants and leaseholders in ensuring repairs are carried out to properties, and obtains compensation for clients affected by property disrepair. She is also experienced in possession cases, handling matters including rent arrears, breaches of tenancies and vulnerable clients whom have had allegations of anti-social behaviour.

For expert housing advice, contact Dianne Cowie on 020 7014 7339 or email her at diannec@duncanlewis.com.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

If you have neighbours whose behaviour is disruptive and having a negative impact on your life, and attempts to discuss the issue with them have been unsuccessful, Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors may be able to help. Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. The Duncan Lewis housing team specialises in representation in all social housing proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review relating to homelessness, disrepair, succession for tenants and neighbourhood disputes against local authorities.

If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 0333 772 0409.