Study into private rented sector to build support for long-term reform
A new study will look at ways of addressing urgent change in the private rented sector to ensure renters have access to safe and affordable long-term homes.
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The research, funded by the Nationwide Foundation, will look at what is needed to reshape the sector, and identify the areas that need most urgent attention.
The aim of the work is to allow stakeholders a better understanding of what change is needed to help support those renters most severely affected by the current housing crisis.
Dr Julie Rugg, from the University of York’s Centre for Housing Policy, said: “There is so much we don’t know. We need to identify the gaps in knowledge that will help us answer some of the most challenging questions: for example, are there alternative approaches to ensuring that all rented property is in good condition? What knowledge do we need so we can improve the supply of affordable rented property? We can start to prioritise the areas where new information will have the greatest impact in improving tenant experience.”
In recent months, the private rented sector has been in the spotlight as the Renters (Reform) Bill has moved through parliament. This landmark bill has the potential to transform the private rented sector, but there continues to be fundamental gaps in understanding of the sector that needs to be addressed to make it work for everyone, particularly those most vulnerable to harm.
Joshua Davies, Programme Manager at the Nationwide Foundation, said: “Everyone deserves to have a decent, safe and secure place to call home for as long as they need it. But for thousands of renters, this isn’t the reality they face.
“We know there are fundamental problems within the private rented sector that have huge impacts on people’s health and wellbeing - leaving them feeling stressed, anxious, and in many cases, physically unwell.
“In this context, we need research that will provide fresh perspectives to the challenges we face, alongside new policy directions that can deliver genuine solutions. Urgent change is needed, and this critical research will help us identify what areas of the private rented sector are the least understood, and how improving our understanding can shape the future of private renting.”