Reform of the private rented sector: the consumer view

As the second most common tenure type, the need for change in the private rented sector cannot be overstated. There are now nearly a million more households with dependant children living in private rented property than in 2006-07 and the growth of the sector is set to continue. A well-functioning rental sector is a necessary component of a well-functioning housing sector.  

We have undertaken a comprehensive look at the experiences of consumers in this sector covering the tenants entire journey,from searching for and securing, to living in and subsequently moving out of, private rented accomodation in England. We also undertook an online survey of landlords to understand the challenges they face and ensure the solutions we identified work for the sector as a whole. We have published a detailed research report and the full datasets from our surveys of tenants and landlords alongside this report.

Our analysis reveals that whilst the experience of consumers is varied there are a number of common challenges which occur across various stages of the renting process. Which? is calling for a comprehensive programme of reform to bring the rental sector up to the standards required in the 21st Century.