Almost one in four private renters – equivalent to 2 million adults – have felt physically ill or sick because of housing problems or worries in the last year, shocking research by Shelter reveals today.
The new study from Shelter and YouGov shows the dramatic impact that housing worries like affording the rent, poor conditions and the threat of eviction are having on people’s physical and mental health.
A staggering 45% of private renters (or 3.8 million adults) have experienced stress and anxiety as a direct result of their housing concerns, with nearly one in three (2.8 million adults) saying this has kept them awake at night. Distressingly, almost the same number of renters said their housing situation had left them feeling hopeless (2.7 million adults
).
Shelter emergency helpline manager Andrea Deakin said: “This time of year can be especially stressful and difficult for families who are struggling to cope with big rent bills, or things like cold and mouldy homes during the winter months.
“Every day at Shelter we see the toll that expensive, unstable or poor-quality private renting can take on people’s lives and their health. We know how easy it can be to lose hope and feel overwhelmed by these worries, but our message is that you do not have to face them alone.
“People all over the country will be experiencing the same housing heartache, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Shelter’s services are open 365 days a year, and with the continued support of the public we will do all we can to be there for everyone who needs us.”
