Second series of ‘Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords’ with Landlord Action
On Wednesday 9th March 2016 at 9pm, Channel 5 will launch the second series of ‘Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords’, a ten-part series which delves into the dark side of the UK’s rental market and growing housing crisis, featuring leading eviction specialists Landlord Action.
The complexities and sheer amount of legislation relating to private rented housing is forcing more and more landlords to exit the buy-to-let market, fuelling the already chronic under-supply of housing in the UK. The imbalance of supply and demand also means rents continue rise, putting even further strain on landlord/tenant relationships. The second series of ‘Nightmare Tenants Slum Landlords’ will once again uncover some of the battles faced by tenants and landlords, in a market which “needs clear and simplified direction in order to maintain its current level of growth” according to Landlord Action.
The first 60 minute episode will feature three stories, two of which cover a common landlord complaint – rent arrears. Successful music entrepreneur, Donovan Nelson hasn’t received rent for seven months from one of his tenants. With spiralling costs, Mr Nelson calls on the help of Landlord Action, but on the day of the court hearing, Donavon is faced with news that his tenant is there fighting the eviction, claiming the hot water isn’t working.
“This case highlights one of my greatest concerns surrounding last year’s introduction of the ‘Retaliation Eviction’ law as part of The Deregulation Act 2015. The new measures protect tenants from being evicted when they raise a complaint about the condition of their home. Unfortunately, some tenants are using this as a loophole to avoid eviction, putting landlords under extreme financial pressure” says founder of Landlord Action, Paul Shamplina.
Episode one also exposes an unscrupulous landlord, previously known to the authorities, who is renting his HMO to numerous tenants in extremely unsanitary conditions, which has led to a rat infestation.
Mr Shamplina says “The show is a very real insight into the plights of the buy-to-let world. There are many professional landlords and respectful tenants out there who move from one harmonious tenancy to another, but that is not always the case. With increasing amounts of legislation, we’re seeing a rise in the number of landlords and tenants at loggerheads. Designed to offer a balanced view of the market, Landlord Action was thrilled to be invited to take part in the second series and help show landlords and tenants how to protect themselves.”
The first series of ‘Nightmare Tenants Slum Landlords’ which aired in June/July 2015 attracted more than 1.5 million viewers. The second series will run for ten weeks, every Wednesday on Channel 5 at 9pm starting on 9th March 2016.
Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, will also be co-hosting ‘The Property Hour’ on LBC radio with Clive Bull, every Thursday from 9pm-10pm for 13 weeks starting Thursday 10th March.