TENANTS FEEL THE STRAIN

• Deposit disputes a key concern for both landlords and tenants
• Nearly half (45%) of landlords have faced rent payment issues
• A third (33%) of renters complain about repairs not being carried out
• What tenants and landlords REALLY want from rental reforms revealed

Admiral Home Insurance has uncovered the main causes of tension and disagreements between tenants and landlords ahead of the Rental Reform Bill expected in the Queen’s Speech to the Houses of Parliament in May, revealing the changes both sides really want to see when it comes to renting.

New research from the insurer1 found six in ten tenants feel that renting a property negatively impacts their mental health, with 62% saying they feel either stressed or anxious because of their living situation.

The top issue facing renters that contributes to stress and anxiety is repairs to a property not being carried out, with a third (33%) citing this as a reason for their worries. Renters’ stress could be justified, as only a quarter of renters say requested repairs have been carried out to their satisfaction, while almost one in ten (9%) say repairs haven’t been made at all.

Other worries raised by renters include concerns over their landlord increasing rent during the tenancy (27%) and feeling worried about receiving notice to end a tenancy or facing eviction (19%).

However, Admiral’s research suggest renters aren’t the only side feeling the strain. Almost half (45%) of landlords surveyed have had rent payment issues, while nearly a fifth (18%) have experienced aggression from tenants.