a day ago
Young people turn to lodging to beat rising rents
Young people are becoming lodgers in ever greater numbers to beat rising rents, research reveals.
Data from SpareRoom has found the number of young people becoming lodgers has risen by 50 per cent in just three years.
Lodgers, who live in their landlord's home, pay around 17 per cent less than the average renter but can be evicted more easily.
Many also end up having to go to bed early and endure bans on partners staying overnight and compulsory pet-sitting.
But many reported feeling trapped by bizarre rules set by their landlords.
Lina, 33, said: 'When you're a lodger, you're basically at their mercy. You have to do what they say, and they're always watching you. It can feel like they're invading your privacy.'
James, 29, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said his bedroom had no door, that he was not allowed to bring his partner back to the flat, and was told after he arrived that the landlord's girlfriend would be moving in with them.
He said he was also told to stop all noise after 9pm because his bedroom was directly above the landlord's.
'I was sort of trapped in my room. I couldn't even go for a wee or anything like that. It was really bad,' he said. 'If I went downstairs to brush my teeth, he would get annoyed.
Anna, 26, whose name has also been changed, said she had no other option but to become one as she had no reference or guarantor in Britain after moving from Norway for a master's course. She said the arrangement was her only option.
She moved into a property she found on a Facebook group for Norwegians in London, but soon ran into issues.
Her bedroom had no lock, she had to take care of her landlord's dog when she went away and had to give an advanced warning if a friend was coming to visit. All friends had to be women and visit during the day under the rules.
She also said her landlord installed a camera by the front door.
Anna recalled: 'She said to me twice, 'Just so you know, I got the camera so I can see who comes in and who doesn't come out when I'm not home'.'
A government spokesperson told The Times: 'Our Renters' Rights Bill will transform the private rental sector in England, bringing greater security to millions of renters.
'Lodgers live in the landlord's home, rather than a rental property. But we know that this is an evolving sector which is why the Bill will allow us to extend protections and rights to new tenures like lodgers in the future. We continue to keep this under review.'
