There are reports of landlords asking for unpaid work and sexual favours
8% of tenants have experienced or been threatened with eviction and 16% have had to deal with mould and damp.Author: Jess PaynePublished 1 hour ago
A new report reveals tenants in Wales are being exploited by rogue landlords, including requests for unpaid work and sexual favours.
In the last year alone the ‘Rogue Landlord Report’ shows 8% of tenants in Wales have experienced or been threatened with eviction and 16% have had to deal with mould and damp.
Yet the report reveals renters feel unable to ask their landlord or letting agent for support with repairs due to fear of repercussions, like rent increases or even eviction.
68% of renters in Wales have seen their rent rise in the last 12 months- 5% higher than the UK average.
The study also finds 12% of renters have had issues with faulty or damaged appliances.
The UK-wide statistics also reveal the power dynamic is leaving tenants vulnerable to exploitation, with some renters being asked to carry out unpaid work and even reports of landlords asking for sexual favours.
The report by Duncan Lewis Solicitors comes amid mounting pressure for reform and calls to create a national landlord register.
The Renters’ Reform Bill is due to return to Parliament next month.
Key changes include the abolition of “no-fault” evictions and new protections against rent increases and discrimination.
But with no set date for its passage into law, Duncan Lewis warns almost five million renters remain vulnerable to substandard living conditions, financial strain, and eviction threats.