Vulnerable teens homeless due to 'unfair' rental market

Charities say Renters' Rights Act may make situation worse

- ALBERT TOTH

Many young people are finding themselves trapped in homelessness, unsafe conditions or relying on crisis services due to the "unfair" rental sector, charities have warned.

Vulnerable young people are being rejected by landlords due to their age, profession, lack of guarantor or connection to a homelessness service, charity EveryYouth has found.

The group organises a network of 10 youth homelessness charities across the UK. A survey of these services showed young people are mainly facing discrimination due to not having a family member who can be a guarantor (90 per cent), followed by their income level (70 per cent) despite being able to afford rent.

Kalvin, 18, said he struggled to find a landlord who would accept him, eventually leading him to a homelessness charity in Devon after a period of rough sleeping while being in work.

Originally from Glasgow, Kalvin says he moved to Devon for a “fresh start”, working for two years as an apprentice in the motor trade.

Although not earning much - an under-18 apprentice wage in the UK is £7.55 an hour - he was making at least £1,000 a month. This would be enough for a one-bedroom flat in North Devon, at an average of £597, or to live in a houseshare. Despite this, Kalvin says finding a place to rent proved impossible.