Most UK Tenants Are Not Struggling With Rent

New data from the government’s English Housing Survey show that a huge majority, 71%, of private renters in England have no trouble paying their rent. Analysts say that this data challenges those who question the affordability of rent in the private rental sector.

The survey, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also provides insights into tenants’ experiences in England’s rental market and highlights areas for improvements and further action.

What Is the State of the Private Rental Market?

Of the 4.6 million households renting from private landlords in England, the survey found that only 5% are behind on payments.

Meanwhile, private renters spend about a third of their income on rent, more than homeowners with mortgages (18%) but similar to social housing tenants (26%). Unlike homeowners, however, renters enjoy more freedom to move, something often overlooked in the push for homeownership.

The idea that private renting is unstable and tenants are under the threat of quick evictions also does not seem to hold up in the survey. Most tenants stay in the same home for an average of 4.3 years.

That said, rising housing costs are still a problem for renters.

Are No Fault Evictions a Concern?

For all the uproar over “no fault” evictions, the English Housing Survey delivers a contrary fact: only 9% of renters who moved in the last three years were evicted or asked to leave.

In most cases, though, landlords had practical reasons like selling or repurposing the property, rather than problems with the tenants.

However, housing quality remains a thorny issue. About 21% of private rental properties fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard, marginally better than 2019’s 23% but far worse than the 14% for owner-occupied homes or the 10% for social housing.

This raises a huge question: why should renters pay rent for homes that fail to meet basic living standards?

Some suggest change is on the way. Though 80% of rentals meet decency standards, it is clear that progress is overdue. And momentum is building to expand the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals. That could push landlords to improve their properties or leave the market altogether.

Conclusion

Most private renters in England pay rent without trouble and stay in their homes for years. This is good but this does not mean that the private rental sector is without any problem. Poor housing quality is a big issue.

Although fears of widespread evictions seem overstated, calls to improve housing standards are growing. If changes happen, renters could finally see better value for the prices they are paying.