Rent costs families more than 50 per cent of their wages (From Harrow Times)

Rent costs Harrow families more than 50 per cent of their wages, according to Shelter

1:00pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes

The average family in Harrow now spends 51 per cent of their earnings on rent.

New research by housing charity Shelter shows that in the borough private rent is eating up more than half of an average family’s wages.

The research, which drew on government figures, shows that in 23 of London’s 32 boroughs rent takes up more than 50 per cent of a family’s wages.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: “The news that renting in the capital is unaffordable isn’t a surprise to the Harrow families who are stuck in the rent trap, unable to save anything towards a home of their own because they’re paying out so much each month in rent.

“But the fact that rental costs in most areas of London are eating up more than half of family incomes should stop us in our tracks. 

“Rising rents, the constant threat of eviction, and hidden fees are all par for the course in London’s frantic rental market.”