FOR MANY people in Wyre Forest, renting a home has become harder than ever.
The Private Renters Bill abolishes no fault evictions, ends fixed term tenancies, limits rent hikes and bans bidding wars.
Expected to become law by late 2025, with measures active in early 2026, it means to give tenants more protection but for those already struggling in the private rental market, life feels increasingly uncertain.
Wyre Forest social housing is very limited, and waiting lists are long.
Families who would once have been offered a council property, often have no choice but to turn to private rental.
This puts them in competition for a small number of homes, often at prices they can barely afford.
Landlords are also under pressure, with rising mortgage costs, higher bills and new rules to follow.
Many are covering these costs by raising rents.
For tenants, this means every rent increase is another squeeze on already tight household budgets.
Those on benefits are hit hardest, as the support they receive has not risen in line with local rents.
The gap between income and rent grows wider each year, leaving people with impossible choices between paying rent, heating their homes or putting food on the table.
As a result, some tenants fall into arrears causing their options to shrink further.
Many landlords are reluctant to rent to someone with a history of arrears, even if the arrears were caused by circumstances beyond the tenant’s control.
Families can find themselves stuck, unable to move somewhere more affordable, yet unable to keep up with the home they are in.
The stress this creates is immense and it has a real impact on people’s health, wellbeing, and sense of security.
For tenants in Wyre Forest, the promise of more rights under the Private Renters Bill will only go so far.
With too few affordable homes available and benefit increases falling short, many households in the district are understandably worried about their housing situation.
If you have any concerns about housing or homelessness contact us via our website at wyreforestcab.org.uk/ email: [email protected] or call 0808 2787891
23rd Jun, 2026
