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

2024 Q4
2024 Q3

2024 Q2
2024 Q1
2023 Q4
2023 Q3

This report analyses tenant sentiment data collected by Marks Out Of Tenancy for the past seven 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 Qq 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

Q4 2024: 66% Stayed the same, 23% Got worse, 9% Got better

Q1 2025: 55% Stayed the same, 36% Got worse, 9% Got better

Analysis: In Q1 2025, tenant satisfaction with repairs and maintenance declined compared to previous quarters. According to the Marks Out Of Tenancy Renters Pulse Survey, 55% of respondents said the situation stayed the same, a drop from Q4 2024. Meanwhile, 36% reported that things had gotten worse—the highest percentage recorded over the four-quarter period—indicating growing dissatisfaction. Only 9% felt that repairs and maintenance had improved, showing a slight uptick from the previous quarter but still representing a small minority. Overall, the data suggests a worsening trend in renters’ experiences with property upkeep.

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

Q4 2024: 56% Stayed the same, 35% Less secure, 10% More secure

Q1 2025: 56% Stayed the same, 35% Less secure, 9% More secure

Analysis: In Q1 2025, renters’ perceptions of their security of tenure remained relatively stable. Approximately 56% of respondents felt their situation had stayed the same, while 35% reported feeling less secure, and 10% felt more secure. These figures indicate that concerns about housing stability persist among a significant portion of tenants, with only a small minority experiencing increased security.

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

Q4 2024: 39% Got worse, 44% Stayed the same, 19% Improved

Q1 2025: 53% Got worse, 32% Stayed the same, 15% Improved

Analysis: In the first quarter of 2025, the Marks Out Of Tenancy Renters Pulse Survey indicates a notable shift in renters' perceptions of their financial security compared to the previous quarter. The percentage of renters reporting that their financial security had worsened saw a significant increase, jumping to approximately 55%, making it the highest point in the observed period. Conversely, the proportion of renters who felt their financial security had stayed the same decreased to around 32%, while those who reported an improvement remained relatively low at about 13%. This suggests a growing concern among renters regarding their financial stability at the beginning of 2025.

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

Q4 2024: 37% Got worse, 49% Stayed the same, 13% Improved

Analysis: The impact of the relationship with landlords and the condition of rental properties on renters' mental health showed a slight worsening compared to the previous quarter. The percentage of renters reporting that their mental health had worsened due to these factors increased to approximately 38%. Meanwhile, the majority of renters, around 49%, indicated that their mental health had stayed the same in relation to these aspects. Notably, the proportion of renters who felt their mental health had improved saw a slight increase to about 14%, suggesting a small positive shift for some in this regard.

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

Q4 2024: 33% Increased, 65% Stayed the same, 1% Decreased

Analysis: In the first quarter of 2025, the Marks Out Of Tenancy Renters Pulse Survey revealed that the rent prices for the majority of renters in the UK remained stable, with approximately 65% reporting no change over the previous three months. However, a notable proportion, around 34%, experienced an increase in their rent during this period, indicating continued upward pressure on housing costs for a significant segment of the rental population. Conversely, only a very small fraction of renters, about 1%, benefited from a decrease in their rent. This data suggests that while a degree of stability existed for many, a considerable number of tenants faced increased financial burdens related to their accommodation at the beginning of 2025, reflecting broader trends in the UK rental market where demand often outpaces supply.

Analysis:

In the first quarter of 2025, the Marks Out Of Tenancy Renters Pulse Survey painted a challenging picture of the rental experience in the UK. Tenants expressed growing dissatisfaction, particularly around the responsiveness of landlords to repairs and maintenance issues. Feelings of insecurity in housing remained a major concern, with many renters reporting a decline in their sense of stability. Financial pressures continued to weigh heavily, although there were slight signs of easing compared to previous quarters. Mental health impacts linked to housing conditions remained significant, reflecting the broader strain placed on renters. Overall, the survey highlighted persistent issues in the rental sector and underscored the need for stronger protections and support for tenants.