Older tenants feel trapped in poor quality rental properties, study suggest

Older people are increasingly being faced with the experience of unaffordable rent and poor quality accommodation, a study has suggested.

According to researchers from the University of Stirling and the University of Glasgow, there has been a rise in the number of private tenants over the age of 35 experiencing issues traditionally felt by younger renters.

They also face a number of distinct issues not felt by younger people to the same extent, the study found.

These include the impact on their family life, challenges in adapting properties for age-related health and mobility impairments, and being aged out of a mortgage.

Private renters from across the UK were interviewed as part of the study in to learn about their experiences.

The report found a number of older renters felt a “sense of hopelessness'' at their situation.

It is opposite to the view of younger people, who believe things will get better after encountering a difficult situation, researchers said.

Dr Kim McKee, from the University of Stirling, said: “Much academic and popular attention is paid to so-called 'generation rent' - the growing number of younger people trapped in the private rented sector.

“However, much less is known about the experiences of renters over 35 so this research seeks to begin addressing that gap.

“While some of our participants retained an element of positivity about the flexibility and benefits offered by private renting, a greater number felt trapped and powerless to transform their situation.

“The challenges of being able to save enough to exit the sector or even move to a different rented property were clear, and compounded by low wages, insecure work arrangements and the impact of welfare reform.''

Dr McKee added: “Families with children face particular pressures, with many struggling to make a home in the private rented sector because of an inability to personalise the property or keep pets, or from the insecurity of not knowing how long they will be able to stay there and put down roots.

“This is a key policy issue given the rising number of families with children in the private rented sector.

“Tenants want safe, secure and affordable homes but for some private tenants that is just not within their reach as our report highlights.''

In the report's conclusions, the researchers recommend action is taken on unaffordable rents, with a need for more affordable housing.

They also state there should be more education about tenants' rights but also better enforcement of existing landlord responsibilities.

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