Agent slams industry over 'beds in sheds'

A lettings agency claims rogue agents and landlords are cashing in on the housing shortage and the demand for cheaper accommodation by providing increasing volumes of sub-standard beds in sheds'.

Earlier this year, rogue landlords were under the microscope when Harrow council used aerial photography to identify beds in sheds' - reportedly finding over 300 suspect sites based on complaints from neighbours.

A separate BBC investigation found one landlord charging £1,000 a month to family with a small child, for a small, windowless room behind a fake garage door.

Elsewhere in London, Newham, Southwark and Ealing councils described estate agents marketing garages and sheds that failed to meet the most basic legal requirements for habitation, such as windows, and sometimes lacking electricity and running water.

Now the managing director of Propertyletbyus, Jane Morris, claims there are thousands of sheds and outbuildings are rented out illegally by agents.

I'm appalled that high street letting agents are taking on these beds in sheds' and marketing them to potential tenants. There needs to be massive investment in building more social housing she says.