How many private renters are there in Harrow?
In 2020, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 53,200 private renters living in the borough- down from 72,300 recorded in 2015 by the ONS. The current post pandemic figure is most likely higher considering the significant growth of Harrow’s diverse population over the years.
Why don’t private renters opt towards buying a house?
As of April 2021, the average home costs almost 14 times more than average earnings in Harrow, making home ownership unaffordable for many private renters.
What about getting a council house?
According to the ONS, in 2021 there were 1,915 households waiting for a council property in the borough- that’s around 800 more households than in 2016.
Although Harrow’s waiting list is shorter than some other London boroughs, the growing demand for social housing still outweighs supply. This has forced families to wait for many years before being housed by the council.
Looks like we’re stuck in the private rented sector, then. What’s it going to cost?
According to Valuation Office Agency, in the 12 months leading up to March 2016, median (average) monthly rents in Harrow were:
Room in a shared house: £513
Studio flat: £795
One bedroom flat: £1,000
Two-bedroom flat: £1,295
Three-bedroom flat: £1,600
House with four or more bedrooms: £2,925
The private rental market crisis has intensified since 2016, impacting rent prices across the country but more so within London boroughs.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in the 12 months leading up to September 2022, median (average) monthly rents for Harrow were:
Room in a shared house: £725
One bedroom flat: £1,100
Two bedroom flat: £1,350
Three bedroom property: £1,700
Four bedroom property: £2,100
Covering the costs
Considering the figures above exclude bills and council tax, the costs for private renters in 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 Harrow?
Yes –9,601 private renters needed housing benefits to cover their rent in 2015.
Unfortunately, there isn’t updated available 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). In 2021, the monthly LHA rates in Harrow rates are:
Shared Accommodation Rate: £490.14
One Bedroom Rate: £997.27
Two Bedrooms Rate: £1246.57
Three Bedrooms Rate: £1545.74
Four Bedrooms Rate: £1844.92
Can I talk to someone at the council about problems with my private landlord, and are there any Tenancy Relations Officers (TROs)?
Harrow Council has a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Team who inspect the quality of prviately rented accommodation to prevent disrepair, poor conditions and overcrowding. The team educates landlords about their responsibilities. If necessary, they will use their enforcement powers to serve legal notices on criminal landlords.
If you have a problem with the conditions of your accommodation, contact Harrow Private Sector Housing Enforcement Team via email or telephone 020 8901 2600
Do private landlords in Harrow have to get a licence?
Selective licensing applies in Wealdstone and Edgware wards. Here, all rented properties of any size must be licensed. Harrow Council also operates a borough-wide, additional licensing scheme for any homes occupied by four or more people, forming two or more households.
Does Harrow council run a non-profit letting agency for private renters?
Yes, it’s called Smart Lettings and tries to secure a fairer, better and more transparent service, with great deals for both landlords and tenants. The benefits for tenants are safe and comfortable homes, in good repair with ‘fair’ charges. You can see the properties and more information on their website.
Then, Harrow Council’s letting agency Help2Let is run mainly for residents at risk of homelessness.
Is there a stand alone PRS strategy in Harrow Council’s housing policy?
Somewhat, Harrow Council’s housing strategy includes plans for private rented housing. You can read about this here
What is Harrow Council doing to make private renting fairer?
In 2018, Harrow Labour included the pledge to create a Private Renters’ Charter in their election manifesto.
Now, we’re looking forward to helping make the pledge a reality. If you rent in Harrow, Renters’ Rights London is keen to hear from you so please get in touch.
How many prosecutions for criminal landlords have been made by Harrow Council?
We are currently waiting for an up to date figure on criminal landlord prosecutions by the council, but we do know that only 2 landlords were prosecuted by the council between 2011 and 2014.
Who else should I talk to about making private renting fairer in Harrow?
Councillors, who are elected politicians, and some officers, who are appointed to do a particular job, have responsibilities to private renters. Depending on the nature of your problem, you could contact any of your local Ward Councillors or
Councillor Pritesh Patel
Portfolio Holder for Adult Services & Public Health
email:
Correspondence address:
Room 109, Conservative Group Office
PO Box 2,
Civic Centre
Station Road
HARROW
HA1 2UH
mob.: 07742 089152
Group office tel: 02 8424 1852