One million renters suffer under rogue landlords

More than one million people across England have suffered at the hands of a rogue landlord in the last year, according to estimates from a housing charity.

Around one in eight private renters have experienced problems from law-breaking landlords, Shelter says.

These issues range from landlords entering homes without permission and deposits not being properly protected, to renters being abused, threatened or harassed by landlords or feeling they were unfairly treated due to their race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation.

Research on renters by YouGov also estimates that in the last year 64,000 people have had landlords cut off their utilities, while nearly 50,000 have had their belongings thrown out of their home and the locks changed.

Richard Lambert, chief executive officer at the National Landlords Association (NLA), said: "These figures highlight serious issues that are simply unacceptable but our research with tenants shows that 82% say they are happy with their current landlord. Furthermore, Shelter's figures show the vast majority of landlords to be law abiding."

Mr Lambert said "it's not just a one-way street" and three in 10 landlords across the UK say they have been either verbally or physically abused by a tenant.

What to do if you have issues with your landlord

• Get in touch with your landlord and let them know what the issue is. Be clear about the facts and what you want to happen.

• Be persistent. You may need to get back in touch with your landlord. Explain what you will do if the situation does not improve and describe how the problem is affecting you. Make sure you always stay polite and reasonable.

• If you cannot resolve the issue with your landlord, take your complaint to the next level. Make sure you see the process through.

• Find out what you need to do to resolve your problem. Shelter's website and free housing helpline 0808 800 4444 can let you know what your rights are.