How many private renters are there in Barking and Dagenham?
In 2015, the Office for National Statistics found 49,500 private renters in the borough. By 2020, this figure had increased to 50,000 private renters. The good news is that there’s no shortage of private renters to campaign with in this borough!
Why don’t private renters buy a house?
Because house prices in this borough have risen over the past 10 years.
A decade ago, the average house in Barking and Dagenham cost 6.38 times more than average earnings. By 2021, this figure had increased significantly; an average house in Barking & Dagenham cost 10.17 times more than average earnings.
What about getting a council house?
Well, in 2021, there were 5,585 households waiting for a council property from the council. Current figures are likely to be higher considering the rising demand for social housing help in the borough.
Looks like we’re stuck in the private rented sector. Let’s talk rent…
In the 12 months leading up to March 2016, according to the Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents for Barking and Dagenham were:
Room in a shared house: £520
One bedroom flat: £850
Two bedroom flat: £1,100
Three bedroom property: £1,300
Four bedroom property: £1,650
The private rental market has shifted significantly since 2016 and is currently facing a deep crisis.
In the 12 months leading up to September 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics median (average) monthly rents for Barking and Dagenham were:
Room in a shared house: £600
One bedroom flat: £1050
Two bedroom flat: £1,275
Three bedroom property: £1,450
Four bedroom property: £1,850
These figures exclude bills and council tax.
Covering the costs
Rent prices are high for private renters in Barking and Dagenham. Findings from the English Housing Survey (2019-2020) indicate that private renters in London spend an average of 42% of their household income on rent.
Are there private renters who rely on housing benefits to stay afloat?
Yes- 7,191 private renters claimed housing benefits to cover their rent in 2015. Unfortunately, the data hasn’t been updated to reflect more recent times but considering the rising cost of living and exponential rents, this figure is expected to be higher.
And does housing benefit cover it?
No. The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the maximum amount of housing benefit you can get, regardless of whether you’re a private renter (renting from a private landlord) or a social renter (renting from the council or a housing association). From April 2024, the monthly LHA in Barking and Dagenham is:
Room in a shared house: £548.34
One bedroom rate: £997.27
Two bedroom rate: £1246.57
Three bedroom rate: £1495
Four bedroom rate: £1795.08
Can I talk to someone at the council about problems with my private landlord?
Yes, Barking & Dagenham Council operates a housing advice service, offering face-to-face appointments at several locations around the borough. But the Housing Advice Service can only see residents who have called or emailed and made an appointment. Please call 020 872 48323 or email to make an appointment.
Otherwise, if your accommodation is in disrepair, damp or just poorly maintained, you could email .
You should also contact the licensing team if you think that your landlord is not fulfilling all their legal obligations. They will pass your case on to a Housing Standards Officer, who will discuss your situation with you. Housing Standards may visit you, to help decide on what action is required.
Also, Barking and Dagenham council runs a Housing Advice Service. If you landlord is harassing you or trying to evict you illegally, or if you are at risk of homelessness within the next 90 days, contact the Housing Advice Service.
Based at John Smith House, Bevan Avenue, Barking, the service operates on an appointment basis. Telephone 020 8724 8323 to make an appointment or to speak to someone over the phone. There’s an out-of-hours line, too; 020 8215 3000. Alternatively, you can contact the Housing Advice Service via email
Are there any Tenancy Relations Officers (TROs)?
The Housing Standards Office does a very similar job. Then, the Housing Access and Referral Team (HART) works to prevent homelessness, and help people with additional needs to live independently. Find out more about the HART service here.
Do private landlords in Barking and Dagenham have to get a licence?
Most of them, yes. Barking and Dagenham Council (LBBD) understands that property licensing helps to ensure that all rented homes are decent homes. As everywhere, all houses in multiple occupation (HMO), where five or more people who are not all part of one family live must be licensed. LBBD also operates a licensing scheme covering smaller HMOs, where three or four people share the home. Then, from 6 April 2025, rented homes not covered by either of the other schemes should also be licensed. If you know of a rental that is not licensed, please send a quick email to to let them know.
Is there a stand alone PRS strategy in Barking and Dagenham Council’s housing policy?
t.b.c
Does Barking and Dagenham council have a Private Rented Sector (PRS) forum, where private renters can discuss ways to make private renting better?
Back in 2012, the Living and Working select committee proposed establishment of a private renters’ forum, similar to Camden Federation of Private Tenants. We’re are still waiting for an update on this from the council, though. If you live in Barking & Dagenham and you’d like to see a renters’ forum set up, you could let them know you’re interested.
How many criminal landlords has Barking and Dagenham council prosecuted recently?
According to the Council website, “in recent months” Barking & Dagenham council has undertaken 28 prosecutions of criminal landlords and further action against over 200 landlords or letting agents whose privately let properties were did not meet minimum standards.
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Barking and Dagenham fairer?
Every council is divided between Councillors, who are elected politicians, and non-political officers, who are appointed to do a particular job. In Barking and Dagenham, it might be useful to talk to
Councillor Dominic Twomey
Leader of the Council
Cabinet Office
Town Hall
1 Town Square
Barking, Essex
IG11 7LU
email:
mob.: 07846 928109
phone: 020 8227 2101
Councillor Syed Ghani
Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety
Cabinet Office
Town Hall
1 Town Square
Barking, Essex
IG11 7LU
email:
mob.: 07976621720
phone: 020 8227 2101