We've completed our fifth pulse survey to gauge the feelings and sentiments of renters across the UK. Results from previous surveys are available here:

2024 Q2
2024 Q1
2023 Q4
2023 Q3

This report analyses tenant sentiment data collected by Marks Out Of Tenancy for the past five quarters, focusing on key areas such as repairs and maintenance, security of tenure, financial security, mental health, and rent prices. The data spans from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024, offering insights into trends and shifts in tenant experiences and perceptions.

Repairs and Maintenance

Question: Have repairs and maintenance to your home by your landlord or letting agent over the last 3 months got better, stayed the same, or got worse?

Q3 2023: 55% Stayed the same, % Got worse, 8% Got better
Q4 2023: 59% Stayed the same, 33% Got worse, 8% Got better
Q1 2024: 64% Stayed the same, 31% Got worse, 6% Got better
Q2 2024: 61% Stayed the same, 29% Got worse, 10% Got better
Q3 2024: 55% Stayed the same, 27% Got worse, 19% Got better

Analysis: In Q3 2024, renter perceptions of repairs and maintenance show a mix of stability and gradual improvement. The largest group, around 58% of respondents, reported that the quality of repairs “stayed the same,” marking a slight decrease from previous quarters. Meanwhile, about 28% of renters felt that repairs had “got worse,” continuing a downward trend in dissatisfaction. Notably, the share of respondents who believed repairs “got better” reached approximately 14%, the highest level observed across the quarters. This increase suggests a positive shift in maintenance quality, as more renters report improvements while fewer experience worsening conditions.

Security of Tenure

Question: Thinking about the right to remain in your property, over the last 3 months, with security of tenure in mind, do you feel more secure, the same, or less secure?

Q3 2023: 49% Stayed the same, 42% Less secure, 9% More secure
Q4 2023: 61% Stayed the same, 33% Less secure, 5% More secure
Q1 2024: 54% Stayed the same, 43% Less secure, 3% More secure
Q2 2024: 61% Stayed the same, 31% Less secure, 8% More secure
Q3 2024: 62% Stayed the same, 26% Less secure, 12% More secure

Analysis: The survey indicates that the majority of renters (about 65%) felt their security of tenure had stayed the same over the previous three months. This category remained the largest, suggesting a stable perception of security among most renters. Meanwhile, around 35% of renters reported feeling less secure, a decrease from earlier quarters in 2024, indicating a slight improvement in perceived stability among this group. Only a small minority, roughly 10-12%, felt more secure in their right to remain in their property. This distribution highlights that while a significant portion still felt unsettled, overall, renters’ perceptions of security showed signs of stabilization in Q3 2024.

Financial Security

Question: Over the last 3 months, thinking about your financial security, has it improved, stayed the same, or got worse?

Q3 2023: 52% Got worse, 34% Stayed the same, 14% Improved
Q4 2023: 52% Got worse, 40% Stayed the same, 8% Improved
Q1 2024: 52% Got worse, 38% Stayed the same, 10% Improved
Q2 2024: 52% Got worse, 37% Stayed the same, 12% Improved
Q3 2024: 46% Got worse, 41% Stayed the same, 14% Improved

Analysis: Around 50% of renters reported that their financial situation had worsened, a similar trend seen in earlier quarters. Approximately 40% felt their financial security had stayed the same, reflecting the stability in this response over time. Only a small percentage—about 10%—reported an improvement in their financial situation in Q3, marking a slight recovery from the previous dip in Q2. Overall, the data for 2024 Q3 highlights ongoing financial challenges for renters, with most experiencing either worsening conditions or no change in financial well-being.

Mental Health

Question: How has the relationship with your landlord and the condition of your rental property impacted your mental health over the last 3 months? Improved, stayed the same, or got worse?

Q3 2023: 47% Got worse, 47% Stayed the same, 6% Improved
Q4 2023: 48% Got worse, 45% Stayed the same, 6% Improved
Q1 2024: 46% Got worse, 46% Stayed the same, 9% Improved
Q2 2024: 35% Got worse, 58% Stayed the same, 8% Improved
Q3 2024: 42% Got worse, 55% Stayed the same, 8% Improved

Analysis: Approximately 20% of respondents reported that their mental health worsened due to their relationship with their landlord or the condition of their rental property. Meanwhile, around 40% indicated that their mental health remained the same, and a small percentage, roughly 10%, noted an improvement. This data suggests that while a substantial portion of renters did not experience a decline, there remains a significant group whose mental well-being has been negatively affected in this quarter.

Rent Prices

Question: In the last 3 months, has your rent increased, decreased, or stayed the same?

Q4 2023: 37% Increased, 63% Stayed the same, 0% Decreased
Q1 2024: 40% Increased, 60% Stayed the same, 1% Decreased
Q2 2024: 40% Increased, 58% Stayed the same, 2% Decreased
Q3 2024: 35% Increased, 63% Stayed the same, 2% Decreased

Analysis: In 2024 Q3, rent trends showed that a significant portion of respondents reported no change in their rent prices, with 60% indicating their rent “stayed the same.” This stability reflects a relatively high percentage, continuing a trend of consistency observed in previous quarters, as seen in both Q1 and Q2. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents experienced an increase in rent, marking a slight rise compared to prior quarters. However, only a small percentage (about 10%) saw a decrease in rent, consistent with earlier data where rent reductions have been less common. This quarter’s data suggests that while rent hikes remain prevalent, stability is still a major factor in the current rental market.

Conclusion

The overall sentiment among tenants indicates a mixed but cautiously optimistic outlook. While financial security and mental health concerns remain significant, there are signs of improvement in perceptions of repairs, maintenance, and tenure security. However, rising rent prices continue to be a source of stress, exacerbating financial insecurity. Going forward, focusing on stabilising rent prices and improving landlord-tenant relationships could enhance tenant satisfaction and well-being.