The trade union UNISON has partnered with activist group Generation Rent to demand root-and-branch reform of the private rental sector.

Four key areas it wants action on are affordability, standards, security, and the treatment of renters.

UNISON assistant policy officer Sylvia Jones says: “From nurses keeping us healthy to teachers educating our children, our members are the very foundation of our society, yet our report exposes a shocking reality: a growing number of these essential workers are struggling to find a decent, affordable place to live.

“The new Labour government has a chance to be the solution,” she adds. “We need strong legislation to clean up the private rental sector – and criminalise rogue landlords who break the rules and mis-treat renters – alongside a significant increase in council and social housing. 

“By building the right homes, protecting renters, and ensuring adequate supply and affordability, a new Labour government can finally offer a path out of the housing crisis for millions of hard-working citizens”.

The report claims that poor standards and disrepair are commonplace, some endangering health, with many of the union members allegedly struggling or unable to get repairs.

A statement from the union alleges: “Working renters struggled to assert their rights, and had to put up with poor treatment from landlords and letting agents, due to worries over ‘no fault’ evictions and the lack of good quality, affordable homes to move into. The threat of eviction and homelessness appears constant.”

Read the full report.