December 05, 2011
Over 25% of private rental homes in the UK are littered with major safety hazards and landlords are risking the serious injury and death of their tenants.
The damning assessment comes following the annual English Housing Survey, which found that converted flats are the most dangerous places to live for tenants, along with properties built over 100 years ago.
Amazingly, 28% of properties rented out by private landlords contain a category 1 hazard, which could cause lung cancer, permanent loss of consciousness, 80% burn injuries, the loss of a limb, eye disorders, heart attacks, poisoning and death under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
By comparison, just 14.5% of local authority homes carry the same risk alongside 10.8% of housing association accommodation and 21.5% of owner-occupied dwellings.
The most common hazards found in rented accommodation are features that cause falls such as broken showers and baths, or stairs with poor rails, as well as inadequate space. Excess cold is another major hazard, especially for older tenants, while pollutants such as asbestos, lead, and carbon monoxide are also prevalent.
Under current UK law, landlords must keep their rented properties safe and free from health hazards. In addition, they must ensure that all gas and electrical equipment are safely installed and maintained, and follow fire safety regulations.
