In a recent study conducted by Generation Rent and Migrant Organise, alarming evidence of discrimination against migrant communities seeking rental accommodations has come to light. The organizations, drawing from a limited sample of just 126 migrants in private rentals, have exposed the struggles faced by 42 percent of participants in finding a landlord or letting agent willing to rent to them solely based on their migrant status. Furthermore, a staggering 74 percent encountered difficulties in securing an affordable rental property.

Financial barriers also plagued the surveyed migrants, with 40 percent facing challenges in gathering funds for a tenancy deposit. Additionally, 27 percent encountered obstacles in providing valid identification documents necessary for satisfying Right to Rent checks.

Generation Rent has further accused certain letting agents and landlords of engaging in exploitative and illegal practices. Seventeen percent of respondents reported not receiving any of the documents they were legally entitled to during their current tenancy. Meanwhile, 30 percent faced eviction threats, and 16 percent were subjected to unaffordable rent increases.

The study also shed light on the inadequate property standards and repair conditions endured by migrant renters. Approximately 57 percent reported experiencing issues such as mould or dampness, while a quarter faced problems with faulty electrical systems or insufficient fire safety measures.

Shockingly, out of those who reported their most recent disrepair incidents to their landlords or letting agents, a staggering 51 percent claimed that the problems remained unaddressed.

Ben Twomey, the newly appointed CEO of Generation Rent, voiced his concerns, stating, “Migrant renters are subjected to an exhausting, unsafe, and heartless system, where they disproportionately bear the brunt of the worst aspects of the housing sector.” Twomey urged the government to consider the experiences of migrant renters and prioritize their inclusion in the upcoming Renters (Reform) Bill. He emphasized the necessity of ending housing discrimination in the UK.

Maymuna Osman of Migrants Organise echoed Twomey’s sentiments, remarking, “Migrants living in temporary and private rented accommodation consistently face undignified conditions, including issues with mould, overcrowding, lack of privacy, dampness, no heating or hot water, and racist Right to Rent checks.” Osman called for the elimination of border controls in housing, emphasizing the importance of safe and decent homes for all individuals within their communities and the establishment of a universal housing standard.

These findings underscore the urgent need for reforms to protect migrant communities from discrimination and improve rental conditions. The revelations from this research serve as a call to action for policymakers to address the pervasive housing disparities faced by marginalized groups and ensure that all renters can access safe and secure housing.