Generation Rent and the National Survivor User Network (NSUN) have released a report detailing the devastating impact that renting privately has on the mental health of tenants around the country.
The two organisations conducted a survey between 24th June and 19th July 2024 which received 814 submissions. The survey included various themes surrounding renting and its impact on tenants, including issues with affordability, poor standards, disrepair, insecurity, the threat of eviction, homelessness, and physical and mental health.
This research highlights the many failings of private renting in the UK, and the urgent need that tenants have for a better, fairer system where families and households are able to feel fully in control of their lives in safe, happy, healthy homes. The research draws a strong link between living as a private renter and worsening mental health. Having a safe place to call home and a community to put down roots in are core to a person’s mental wellbeing. However, this research clearly demonstrates that the system of private renting is woefully inadequate to meet the basic needs of individuals and families.
Until people are granted true security in their homes, the spiralling cost of private rents are addressed, and the quality of privately rented homes are improved, this will continue to be so. Fundamental changes are absolutely necessary if we are to make private renting fit for purpose for the millions of people and families living in these homes.