Campaigning for fairer renting, together with Shelter
9 May 2023
4 min read
Shelter and The Co-operative Bank are campaigning together to demand a fairer private rented system — ending unfair evictions and unsafe housing, and securing stronger rights for all renters.
The housing and homelessness emergency
We are in desperate need of a new private rented system. A recent YouGov survey showed that over 900,000 of us are currently at risk of losing our homes.
It’s been over four years since new reforms were proposed that have the potential to fix private renting. Yet for private renters, nothing has changed. That’s why Shelter and The Co-operative Bank are campaigning together to demand the long-overdue reforms that could transform renting for good.
Every day, families like Simon’s are being failed by the private rented system. Fortunately, Shelter were able to step in and support Simon during his time of need. Here’s his story.
Simon’s story
The clock was ticking for Simon and his young family. They were being evicted from their home and couldn’t find a new one in time.
They had never been late with their rent or had any problems with their landlord. After asking for repairs they received a Section 21 no-fault eviction. They were being forced to leave and panic was really starting to set in.
Despite their best efforts, they weren’t making any progress in their search for a new home. There were just too many other families, just like them, competing for the same few affordable homes.
As eviction day loomed, getting increasingly desperate, Simon called the council for support. However, they said they couldn’t help.
With nowhere else to turn, Simon reached out to Shelter. Shelter understood the family’s struggle all too well and gave Simon the expert advice he needed. By working together with Shelter, Simon was able to get his family on the housing register and they are now settled in a secure social home.
Join our campaign to demand fairer renting
Now, more than ever, we need to turn words into action. A robust Renters’ Reform Bill will end unfair evictions and secure stronger rights for all renters.
For our neighbours and our communities, let’s campaign for real change and a fairer private rented system — because a home is a human right.
About the research: all data, unless otherwise stated, is from a YouGov survey for Shelter of 2,000 Private Renters in England. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26 October and 10 November 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults in England (aged 18+). Population figures have been calculated using English Housing Survey data.
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