There are over 400,000 privately rented households where at least one older person lives. For too many older renters, finding a good quality, affordable and secure home is a struggle. Susan, who is a private renter, tells us about her experiences.

On top of not having security in her home and facing a no-fault eviction, Susan had had to absorb a massive increase in her rent recently: “Rent used to be £675 and for the past couple of months she’s asked for £900. We had a bit of a tiff about it really because the flat’s not in great condition – the window in the bathroom is about to fall out. The boiler is on its last legs.”

Recent research by Independent Age found that 1 in 5 older renters felt they couldn’t raise concerns because they fear retaliations from their landlord. Indeed, when Susan mentioned these rent increases and problems in her property, her landlord was not sympathetic: “[My landlord said] I was lucky to be paying the rent I’m paying because she could be charging a whole lot more.”

This story is all too familiar for many older people every single day. As part of our Two Million Too Many campaign, we’re calling on political parties to commit to a fair and affordable rental system ahead of the next General Election.