How many private renter are there in Bexley?
In 2015, the Office for National Statistics identified 22,000 private renters in the borough. By 2020, this figure had increased significantly to 42,100 private renters. Current figures are probably even higher given that Bexley, a leafy suburb has seen an influx of people moving away from central London.
Why don’t private renters opt towards buying a house?
Because in Bexley, house prices have gone up by 40% over the last 5 years.
In 2015, the average house price was 8.47 times more than average earnings in Bexley. By 2021, this number had risen to 10.51 , making home ownership in Bexley unaffordable for most private renters.
What about getting a council house?
In 2021, there were 6365 households waiting for a council property in the borough. Current figures are probably higher given the major shortage of council homes in Bexley.
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 Bexley were:
Room in a shared house: £460
One bedroom flat: £750
Two bedroom flat: £1000
Three bedroom property: £1250
Four bedroom property: £1550
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 Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents for Bexley were:
Room in a shared house: £650
One bedroom flat: £950
Two bedroom flat: £1225
Three bedroom property: £1500
Four bedroom property: £1,800
These figures exclude bills and council tax.
Covering the costs
Rent prices are inarguably high for those living in the private rented sector in Bexley. 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- 5,069 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 renting from a private landlord, renting from a housing association or from the council. As of April 2024, the monthly LHA in Bexley is:
Shared Accommodation Rate: £598.35
One Bedroom Rate: £1047.11
Two Bedrooms Rate: £1296.45
Three Bedrooms Rate: £1545.74
Four Bedrooms Rate: £1795.08
Can I talk to someone at the council about problems with my private landlord?
Yes.
If the landlord (or their agent) is not carrying out repairs, the Rent it Right team can help you. They will inspect your property for potential risks to health and safety and then, act to ensure that the landlord makes the necessary repairs or improvements. Examples of the kind problems the team deals with include damp and mould, electrical safety, defective gas boilers and broken or missing handrails on staircases.
Do private landlords in Bexley have to get a licence?
If you share a house with five people who aren’t all members of your family, your address should be licensed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
In Belvedere Ward, property licensing also applies to all privately rented homes, of any size. It’s the landlord’s responsibility to apply and to pay for the property licence, not yours. But if your home should be licensed and is not, you are entitled to claim back rent you have paid by making a rent repayment order. Find out whether your home should be licensed here .
Does Bexley council run a non-profit letting agency for private renters?
Bexley Council runs various private renting schemes, but these aren’t easily accessible to people who are not also eligible for council housing.
Does Bexley council have a Private Rented Sector (PRS) forum, where private renters can discuss ways to make private renting better?
There is a Landlord forum, but we are still waiting to hear from the council on whether or not tenants can attend.
How many criminal landlords has the council prosecuted in the last three years?
Bexley Council has no entry on the Mayor of London’s Rogue Landlord checker. It looks as though the council has not made any prosecution against a criminal landlord in past 12 months (to January 2025).
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Bexley?
For specific problems, Bexley council recommends that you speak to a Councillor in your ward. You can find details for your representatives and their contact details here
In addition
Councillor Sue Gower MBE
Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing
email:
tel.: 020 3045 5280
Councillor Melvin Seymour
Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services and Health
email:
tel.: 020 3045 5280