Homelessness continues to rise as landlords raise rent
by Haeli Wilson
Homelessness rates have increased in Islington due to many factors. Around 2022, it was estimated that at least 1,929 people were homeless, with the majority of that number staying in temporary accommodation.
The biggest factor of all is rent increases, not only in Islington, but throughout the UK. Within one’s tenancy agreement, there are two different periods based on when a landlord is allowed to increase rent.
- A periodic tenancy (week to week or month to month basic) – The landlord is not allowed to increase rent more than once a year unless they have your permission as a tenant.
- A fixed term tenancy (on a set period) – With this tenancy, your landlord can only increase the rent if you agree to it as well. However, if you do not agree then the rent can only increase once the fixed term tenancy is over.
This is based on information given from the Gov.uk website, which goes into more detail on how a landlord can increase your rent. The Office for National Statistics recorded a 6.2% rise in rent paid by tenants across the UK up to 2023 of December.
Residents of Islington share their thoughts and insights on rent increase and how it affects either themselves or their family members.
One local, Elizabeth Yepez de Canta, says, “My brother had to move to High Wycombe because he couldn’t afford to live closer to us…it’s appalling – he was literally pushed out of Islington due to the ridiculous rents. He was paying £1,600 for a bedsit.”
The Standard reports that, “Across the UK, rents have gone up 26 per cent since March 2020.”
Landlords are looking to increase rent while Londoners not only in Islington but all over the UK are struggling to be able to afford to pay rent.
Another local Holly Creed says, “Since I moved into my flat in Feb 2021 (Holloway), the rent has increased 23% to be at its current price and they’re saying it’ll be a £92 increase in August which will be a 32% increase in 3.5 years, which they say is to catch up with market rate but obviously that’s a big increase in that period of time which will price me realistically if I want to keep up with my current quality of life.”
Rent is looking to increase more in 2024 and according to data it could increase up to 6% according to data from Savills. Savills also reports that “London would need 90,000 homes a year” in order for housing affordability to be in place.
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