How many private renters are there in Croydon?
In 2020, the Office for National statistics reported 98,000 private renters in the borough- a surge of over 20,000 more private renters than in 2016! The current figure is expected to be higher due to factors like new property developments in the borough.
Why don’t private renters opt towards buying a house?
Because in 2016, the average house cost 10.18 times more than average earnings. By 2021, the cost had increased to being almost 12 times more than average earnings!
With current figures expected to be higher, this unfortunately means home ownership is out of reach for many private renters.
What about getting a council house?
Well, there were 5,585 households waiting for a council property from the council in 2021. 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 then. What’s it going to cost?
In the 12 months leading up to March 2016, according to Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents in Croydon were:
Room in a shared house: £500
Studio flat: £720
One-bedroom flat: £875
Two-bedroom flat: £1,150
Three-bedroom flat: £1,350
House with four or more bedrooms: £1,825
The private rental market has shifted significantly since 2016 and its current crisis has impacted rents in London.
In the 12 months leading up to September 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics median (average) monthly rents for Croydon were:
Room in a shared house: £550
One bedroom flat: £950
Two bedroom flat: £1250
Three bedroom property: £1500
Four bedroom property: £2000
Covering the costs
Considering the figures above exclude bills and council tax, the costs for private renters in Croydon are high. 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 in Croydon?
Yes- more than 16,000 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 all?
Not really. 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 Croydon is different depending on where you live in the borough. The rates increased on 1 April 2024 and the current rates are:
Inner South East London (e.g. Upper Norwood, Crystal Palace)
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 London (e.g. East Croydon, Purley, Thornton Heath)
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
How many privately rented homes in Croydon are overcrowded?
The 2011 Census found that 18% of private rented households in the borough were overcrowded.
Can I talk to someone at the council about problems with my private landlord?
Yes. Croydon Council employs Tenancy Relations Officers to help you if you’re facing harassment from your landlord or if you’re threatened with illegal eviction. Telephone the Tenancy Relations Service on 020 8760 5749 or contact the team via email . They will investigate your case.
You should also contact Private Sector Housing if your landlord is not carrying out repairs or proper maintenance. You can contact them via email
Do private landlords in Croydon have to get a licence?
Until, 30 September 2020, every privately rented home in Croydon required a licence. But not anymore. Now, only the mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation applies. So, a house or flat shared by occupied by five or more people who are not all members of one family or household and who share facilities (kitchen, bathroom and/or toilet) needs to be licensed, even if there is only one, shared tenancy agreement.
If you find that your landlord is not fully compliant with their licensing obligations, you can report them here.
Does Croydon Council run a non-profit letting agency for private renters?
Yes. In fact Croydon Council has a variety of schemes which play a role in the private rented sector. You can read more about them here
Is there a PRS forum where private renters can discuss ways to make private renting fairer?
There’s no council-backed forum for renters yet. Croydon Council has a Landlord Forum, though. If renters or renters’ representative groups wish to attend, we note their interest to the council via email. Email to get private renters’ voices heard in Croydon!
How many criminal landlords has Croydon council prosecuted?
Croydon council has not prosecuted a single landlord for illegal eviction or harassment in the last three years but did prosecute seven between 2011 and 2014
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Croydon?
Every council is divided between Councillors, who are elected politicians, and officers, who are appointed to do a particular job. If you live in Croydon, these people should be able to help:
Councillor Yvette Hopley
Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care
email:
tel: 020 8604 7033
Councillor Lynne Hale
Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes
email:
mob: 07710 183 588
and
Councillor Janet Campbell
Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care
email:
mob.: 07783152344