Renters afraid to complain about property faults - for fear of rent increase or eviction

dailystar.co.uk:

Cracked windows, broken tiles, and leaky taps are the top property faults renters are prepared to put up with – as they fear rent increases or even eviction if they complain to their landlords.Nearly half (43%), of 1,250 tenants polled, said they don't like bothering their landlord with requests for repairs – with 49% saying they would only call their landlord or letting agency for strictly necessary jobs.As a result, more than one in five (22%) are putting up with blocked extractor fans, while 14% are tolerating moth-eaten carpets, and one in ten are getting by using old appliances.More than two in five (44%) believe the rental market is too competitive to worry about small updates needed to where they live.But commonly raised issues that renters are less prepared to live with include signs of damp, mouldy window frames, roof damage, broken locks, and boiler issues.The research was commissioned by UNCLE, whose spokesman said: “Historically, the newer the property, the more energy efficient and up to date a place and its appliances will be.“Whilst living in modern apartments and houses can come at more of a premium, overall, these places offer a peace of mind when looking at overall outgoings on bills, and from a safety point of view.“But it is outrageous that so many are scared to ask for repairs to be made and are left living in bad conditions, unable to affect their accommodation for the better.”The research found that fear of rent increasing is of particular worry for two-thirds (67%) of those living in the East Midlands and East of England.Overall, 43% have had to call their landlord out for a repair at some point in their renting life – with the North East, the North West, and West Midlands being the top regions to.