A new survey commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and conducted by Verian has found that while most private renters in England report broadly positive experiences, significant concerns remain around unresolved property issues and the fear of raising complaints.
The research, carried out in March 2024, involved an online survey of 1,517 adults living in the private rental sector, with results weighted to reflect the wider rental population.
The findings show that 57% of renters described their experience as positive, compared with 18% who reported a negative experience.
Some 61% were satisfied with the condition of their property, although half said they faced issues beyond normal wear and tear.
Satisfaction with landlords stood at 70%, higher than the 62% reported for property management agencies, suggesting differences in service quality and responsiveness.
Despite overall satisfaction levels, property problems were widespread. Some 77% of renters reported at least one issue with their current home, with damp or mould most commonly cited at 44%.
Reporting rates to landlords or agents were high, but satisfaction with the outcome remained low.
Fear of repercussions was a major barrier to raising complaints, with 27% concerned about rent increases and 22% worried about eviction.
Nearly half of those who had experienced problems had not made a complaint, and many said they would be more likely to do so if they were confident they could not be evicted as a result.
The research also identified disparities across groups. Disabled renters were more likely to report negative experiences at 25% compared with 16% for non-disabled renters, often linked to safety, appliances and maintenance issues.
Renters with children faced greater difficulty securing suitable accommodation, while financially vulnerable renters experienced increased stress when searching for a home and were more likely to stay in unsuitable properties to avoid the challenges of moving.
