While not everyone faces disadvantages living in the private rented sector, certain household types are particularly vulnerable to harm. The TDS Charitable Foundation’s Voice of the Tenant annual survey provides up-to-date data on the specific issues faced by these tenants.
Vulnerable groups in the private rented sector
Previous research by David Rhodes and Julie Rugg has illuminated the difficulties faced by certain groups living in private rented accommodation. Their findings suggest that certain household types are particularly vulnerable to harm associated with unaffordability, insecurity, and poor property conditions. These groups include low-income tenants who are in receipt of benefits, those living with a disability or long-term health condition, tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds, households with children, and tenants aged 65+.
The Voice of the Tenant survey provides up-to-date data on how these groups of tenants are experiencing the private rented sector.
Tenants in receipt of benefits
According to the most recent Voice of the Tenant survey, 22% of tenants living in private rented accommodation are in receipt of benefits to help pay their rent. These tenants are more likely to face a range of housing challenges.
The survey revealed that 43% of tenants receiving benefits found it difficult to afford the rent in the last month, compared to 35% of all tenants. This issue is worsening; the proportion of tenants in receipt of benefits who struggled to afford the rent increased by 16% compared to the previous year.
Moreover, 62% of tenants receiving benefits reported cutting back on essential household items to afford rent, compared to 55% of all renters. Additionally, tenants on benefits are more likely to rate the condition of their rented property as poor or very poor (18% vs. 12% for all tenants), and 48% express insecurity about potentially being asked to leave their homes at any time, compared to 40% of all tenants.
Tenants with a disability or long-term health condition
Overall, 28% of tenants have a long-term physical or mental health condition or illness, whilst 4% of all tenants are not working because of long-term sickness or disability.
Over half of tenants who are not working because of long-term sickness or disability found it difficult or very difficult to pay their rent last month, a significant increase from 44% the previous year. In contrast, only 35% of all tenants reported similar difficulties. This group is also more likely to be regularly cutting on household essentials to pay rent (66%, compared to 55% of all tenants).
According to the survey, tenants with a long-term physical or mental health condition feel less secure in private rented accommodation. Half of this group said they are worried they could be asked to leave their home at any time, compared to 39% of all tenants. Notably, 20% of private renters not working due to health reasons rate the quality of their rented home as ‘poor’, compared to 12% of all tenants.
Tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds
Renters who identify as belonging to minority ethnic groups face unique challenges in the private rented sector. They are more likely to struggle to find affordable homes. For instance, 29% of Asian or British Asian tenants and 35% of Black, African, Caribbean or Black British tenants viewed 5 or more potential homes during their last search, compared to 18% of tenants from white backgrounds.
Additionally, 39% of Asian or British Asian tenants reported difficulties affording their rent, compared to 32% of all tenants. Those from minority ethnic backgrounds are also more likely to be in rent arrears (21%) than tenants from a white background (11%).
Household with dependent children
A significant proportion of private renters (40%) have at least one dependent child at home. Higher rents mean that tenants must allocate a larger proportion of their income towards housing costs, which can make it difficult to meet other essential expenses, such as food, heating, and clothing. Households with children are more affected (62% compared to 55% of all tenants). Noticeably 75% of single parents reported cutting down on essentials to pay the rent. Single parents are also more likely to report challenges securing a rental home (83% compared to 71% of all tenants)
Households aged 65 years and older
Ten percent of all renters are aged over 65. Housing needs and preferences shift throughout different life stages, with older renters showing a greater inclination to consider their rental property as a long-term home. Wave 3 of the tenant survey showed that as people age, they are more likely to move because the landlord is selling the property.
Assessing policy impacts
By tracking these key indicators, we can assess whether proposed policies and interventions are making a meaningful difference for the tenants who need them most.
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