How many private renters are there in Bromley?
In 2015, the Office for National Statistics found 50,500 private renters living in Bromley. In 2020, this number had fallen to 45,300. The current figure is sure to be higher, as more people settle in London suburbs seeking less exuberant rents.
Why don’t private renters opt towards buying a house?
Because for most private renters, this just isn’t financially possible.
House prices in Bromley have steadily increased year on year. In 2016, average house prices were 10.86 times more than average earnings. By 2021, this had risen and average house prices in Bromley were over 12 times the average salary.
What about getting a council house?
So, in 2016, there were 2,793 households waiting for a council property in Bromley. By 2021, this had fallen slightly to 2,408 households. Despite the slight decrease, the wait time for a property can extend into years.
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 Bromley 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 Bromely 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 those living in the private rented sector in Bromley. 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.
So, 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). The monthly LHA in Bromley depends on which part of the borough you live in. In April 2024, the rates increased and now, the rates are:
Inner South East London (Anerley, Penge)
Shared Accommodation Rate: £648.22
One Bedroom Rate: £1291.98
Two Bedrooms Rate: £1545.74
Three Bedrooms Rate: £1944.67
Four Bedrooms Rate: £2617.81
Outer South East London (most of the borough, including Orpington and Bromley itself)
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?
The Housing Options team provide advice, and general assistance to anyone with a query or problem regarding housing issues. For them to help, you will need to complete the housing options assessment form.
Do private landlords in Bromley have to get a licence?
The mandatory HMO licensing scheme applies borough wide, as it does across England and Wales. This means that all rented homes with five or more occupants who aren’t all member of one family, must be licensed.
More info coming soon.
How many criminal landlords has Bromley council prosecuted?
We are still waiting on an up to date figure from the Council, but we do know that Bromley prosecuted four landlords between 2011-2014
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Bromley?
At Bromley Council, because she also deals with housing needs, these people should be able to help:
Councillor Angela Page
Portfolio Holder for Public Protection & Enforcement
c/o Members Room
Bromley Civic Centre
Stockwell Close
Bromley
BR1 3UH
email:
mob.: 07359 084073
Steve Wood
Support officer
W86, West Wing
Bromley Civic Centre
Stockwell Close
Bromley,
Kent
BR1 3UH