HIGH rents mean tenants in Dorchester are having to choose between heating and eating, research has revealed.

Details from the research by the Dorchester Citizens Advice Bureau feature in a national report called Dispatches from the front lines of the housing crisis.

The Dorchester research reveals three key areas of concern for private renting in Dorchester and the surrounding area – affordability, lack of security and discrimination, particularly for tenants in receipt of benefits.

Nationally the CAB helps three people every minute to deal with a housing issue and the charity is calling for a housing debate that looks beyond getting people onto the property ladder.

Issues such as unscrupulous landlords, high house prices, agency fees and planning restrictions all need to be considered as part of the bigger housing picture according to the CAB.

The research relating to Dorchester claims that, with house prices on average around 13 times the average salary according to 2012 figures, affordability is a major issue.

The report adds: “Discrimination towards tenants in receipt of benefits also appeared to be a significant problem in Dorset.”

Ann Evans, research and campaigns co-ordinator at the Dorchester CAB, said: “Many people in the Dorchester area struggle to find a suitable home.

“We need to look for solutions which help tenants find stable, affordable homes.”

Dorchester CAB says it would like to see more landlords prepared to consider tenants in receipt of benefits rather than automatically excluding them.

It also wants landlords to consider offering longer term tenancies in order to increase security and stability.

The Dorchester section of the report claims that a few landlords are making a small start to improving the situation and it is hoped similar attitudes will develop among other lettings agents and landlords.

It states: “We hope that this growing enthusiasm for improving rights for private renters will continue and will result in a marked increase in affordability and security, and a decrease in discrimination for all private renters in the Dorchester area.”

Dorchester is one of eight local CABs across England and Wales that contributed to Dispatches from the front lines of the housing crisis.

The report explores different housing problems experienced by both renters and homeowners and how they vary according to unique local factors.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of national Citizens Advice, said: “Dorchester Citizens Advice has raised an important issue as one of the many facets of the housing debate. “Across the country too many people are living in homes that don't meet their needs - from private renters in a damp property or homeowners who can't afford to move.

“It is really important there is a wide debate about the housing challenges facing the nation.”

ONE of the private tenants interviewed as part of the Dorchester research has told of her experiences.

Gloria is coming to the end of a six-month fixed-term tenancy and is disabled with severe arthritis.

She said: “The whole experience has been a nightmare.

“We moved here from Essex six months ago for my husband’s work.

“The landlord insisted on the full six months’ rent being paid in advance and £1,200 deposit.

“We had to take out a bank loan of £5,000 to manage this and all of my PIP payments of £500 per month goes towards the rent.

“We have now been told the tenancy will not be renewed because the landlord wants to use the house himself.

“We are desperately looking for another tenancy but are not sure how we will manage the deposit and rent in advance before the other deposit is returned.

“We are both very stressed.”