Illegal house shares: Rats, mould and overcrowding

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Properties where more than three people from different households share facilities need to be licensed by local councils. But experts say many landlords fail to comply and instead rent properties illegally, compromising safety. A BBC undercover reporter responded to multiple adverts for shared accommodation in London which appeared to be openly offering unlicensed accommodation in shop windows. Some openly stated that multiple unrelated people would have to share rooms. The reporter visited one property posing as a would-be tenant and found around 10 sharing with 3 or 4 beds in each room, the property had been sublet and was unlicensed. Reporter Tarah Welsh meets tenants living in some of these overcrowded and illegal homes - including those without contracts, privacy, or proper facilities. (Image: BBC)