Two thirds of private renters experienced a problem with the quality or condition of their property in the past six months, according to new research.
The representative survey of over 2,000 private renters was carried out by the TDS Foundation which works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector.
It found that whilst 40% of tenants did not have any problem with the quality of their rented home in the past six months, 60% encountered one or more problems.
The top five problems experienced by those who encountered problems included leaks or problems with plumbing (21%), difficulties keeping their home warm (20%), repairs not being carried out (18%), serious problems with damp or mould (16%) and outside doors, walls, roofs or windows being in need of repair (16%).
Of this group, 85% reported the problems they had with their property to their landlord or letting agent, with over three quarters (75%) saying the issue was either fully or partially addressed.
The minority of tenants who did not report the issues to their landlord or letting agent said this was due to a perceived ineffectiveness of reporting (30%), the hassle involved (27%), fears about not being seen as a “good tenant” (23%) and concerns about potential rent increases (22%).
TDS Group Head of Policy and Research Dr Jennifer Harris said that whilst a large proportion of tenants were experiencing problems with the condition of their property, they were being addressed by landlords in a majority of cases when reported.
“That said, it is worrying that over one in ten tenants who had problems with their homes did not feel confident reporting it”.
She added: “The government’s plans to reform the rental market, including developing a decent homes standard for private rented housing, need to ensure tenants feel confident to speak out where their homes meet all required standards.
“The TDS Foundation will continue to work to ensure tenants fully understand and make use of their rights when calling out the minority of landlords failing to tackle poor quality housing.”