Older private tenants are getting a poor deal from buy-to-let landlords, according to a new report.

Twice as many renters aged over 65 have cold and damp issues with their homes compared to owners and social housing tenants.

While a quarter says they have little money left after paying the rent and living costs.

The study by charity Independent Age also revealed a third of over 65s live below the poverty line.

And 40% of older private renters pay for home adaptations to make their lives more comfortable.

“Life as an older person in private rented accommodation can be unstable and financially insecure, yet they are often invisible in thinking about housing,” said Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age.

“Older private renters face a delicate balancing act of rising rents on a low fixed income, the unnerving possibility of being forced out of their home at short notice, dealing with unscrupulous landlords, and the fact that their home may not even be suitable for their needs.

“They may also lack the emotional and familial support needed for this.”

The charity argues the problems besetting older renters will impact many buy-to-let landlords as the population ages.

Almost 340,000 households are rented privately by the over 65s, and this is set to increase by around two-thirds to 550,000 households over the next 20 years.

The charity is calling for local rent controls and a better deal for the over 65s who are privately renting.

“It is shameful that a third are already living below the poverty threshold. Government and local authorities must ensure that renters of all ages have a safety net to prevent them being forced into poverty and that they have recourse to challenge landlords when they feel that they are being poorly treated,” said Morrison.