Shelter claims housing crisis driving anxiety among working people

Summary: Shelter research reveals that over half of working people in England have experienced anxiety due to housing costs in the past six months. The charity, supported by HSBC UK, continues to provide vital advice and emergency services to help tenants manage housing challenges and prevent eviction.

Housing costs causing widespread anxiety among workers

New research from the housing charity Shelter indicates that 53% of working people in England have felt anxious about housing costs in the last six months. The findings highlight the mental health impact of the ongoing housing crisis, with many struggling to afford essential expenses.

Financial sacrifices to meet housing expenses

The study reveals that one in three workers (32%) have reduced spending on food and groceries to cover housing costs, while 16% have sold possessions to manage these expenses. Shelter’s emergency helpline manager, Nadeem Khan, emphasises the strain faced by tenants and the importance of early support to avoid crisis situations.

Mr Khan said: “Our frontline teams hear from younger people, older people and parents every day who are under immense strain, grappling with impossible trade-offs to make ends meet. It can make a big difference if people reach out before they hit crisis point.”

He added that Shelter offers expert advice on managing rent arrears, budgeting, negotiating with landlords, accessing benefits, and preventing eviction. The charity’s ongoing partnership with HSBC UK helps sustain these vital services.

HSBC UK renews support for Shelter’s services

HSBC UK’s head of sustainability and societal purpose, Natalie Gregoire-Skeete, stated: “We recognise that poor financial resilience and housing insecurity often go hand in hand. We are determined to support Shelter’s vital work, ensuring that those most at risk can access practical advice and vital support in moments of crisis.”

HSBC UK will continue funding Shelter’s emergency helpline, webchat services, and in-person advice hubs across England, helping people navigate housing challenges and find stability.

Practical support for TLA members

For landlords and agents, the current housing crisis underscores the importance of clear communication and thorough record-keeping when managing tenancies, especially where tenants may be experiencing financial hardship. TLA membership offers access to practical compliance resources and guidance that can assist in negotiating with tenants and managing arrears sensitively.

TLA is currently BETA testing ORBIT™, its new property management and compliance platform. ORBIT™ is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise property details, tenancy documents, and compliance information in one accessible system, supporting better management during challenging times.

Members can explore resources tailored to the evolving private rented sector and gain support in maintaining good landlord-tenant relationships. This can be particularly valuable when addressing issues related to affordability and preventing eviction.