I’m young but have no interest in the British cult of home ownership. I just want renting to be fair

‘The British dream often appears to consist of escaping the threat of landlords by becoming a one yourself.’ Photograph: William Barton/Alamy

My housemates and I were confronted with a no-fault eviction notice in September, and so I spent last New Year’s Eve hauling my possessions across south London, moving back into my family home on a social housing estate. It was a degrading experience. Moving back home felt like a step backwards in my mid-20s, but I was facing price increases of at least 75% if I went back into the rental market, so I swallowed my pride.

When I’ve lamented being evicted from my flat, one answer I’ve received back a few times is: “Well, now you’re home you can save for a deposit and buy a property, and then you won’t have to worry about that again.”