A Salford legal team which provides voluntary advice to renters has seen a rise in enquiries over housing issues.
The team of experts at SILKS, Salford Business School’s pro-bono law clinic, has seen a 17% rise in enquiries over housing issues compared to last year, which is believed to be due to the ongoing housing crisis.
The crisis, they say, has led to a lack of private accommodation available for many within the community, resulting in tenants being forced to accept properties in disrepair.
Housing law expert, senior law lecturer, solicitor and SILKS lead at the University of Salford, Louise Hall, said: “In recent years we’ve seen access to justice worsen across many areas of social welfare law, particularly amongst those from underprivileged backgrounds who cannot afford to pay for legal advice.
“We believe we’re seeing this due to economic conditions and the continued lack of access to legal funding.
“At the clinic, where traditionally we’ve seen a huge percentage of our enquiries centered around family law, we’ve started to see a real shift over the last two years which we believe directly links to limited supply of rental properties in the region.
“This is leading to many having no choice but to accept properties in poor condition, which is ultimately having a huge knock-on effect to the level of enquiries we’re seeing.”
Recent government data revealed that 21% of privately rented homes in England, equating to more than one million properties, do not meet the statutory minimum standard for housing under the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS).
According to the latest data released by the government, the worst performing region in terms of the prevalence of poor-quality housing is the North West, which fares the worst in comparison to all other regions across England.
Louise added: “One of the biggest concerns for us is seeing such a considerable increase in housing-related enquires on last year and this is before we’ve moved into our colder winter months when many really feel the brunt of property issues.
“In previous years, we’ve typically seen a surge in enquiries as temperatures drop and the weather worsens.
“With stories of poor standards across the private rental market consistently circulating the media, many are becoming more aware of their rights and are coming to us to help fight for them.
“The impact of accepting housing in poor condition often leads to other issues such as poor health and also tenancy deposit problems, as they try to leave their properties.”
SILKS pro bono law clinic is a free community legal advice service from the university’s business school.
The advice from SILKS is given by qualified lawyers, alongside the University’s Law students, on a range of areas including, housing, family and employment.
The housing clinic runs on a Tuesday and Thursday at the University’s Peel Park campus.
Those in need of legal advice, who may not be able to afford it, can reach out via the details on their website for an appointment.
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