The Challenges of Living in Scotland's Private Rented Sector: low-income renters qualitative experiences

Citation

McKee K, Simcock T & Harris J (2022) The Challenges of Living in Scotland's Private Rented Sector: low-income renters qualitative experiences. Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Scottish Government. https://housingevidence.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Low_income_renters_challenges_of_living_in_Scotland_PRS_Sept_2022.pdf

Abstract
Executive Summary: The research The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey with renters (n=1012) undertaken by YouGov, and remote qualitative interviews and focus groups with 44 participants. The research design aimed to give a broad understanding of the experiences of renters across Scotland and their priorities for change, whilst also allowing us to focus in more depth on the experiences of low-income households. The data is summarised under four key themes below. Choice, Flexibility and Responsibility in the PRS Many private renters told us they rented not through choice, but because it was their only option. For many, homeownership remains unaffordable, with social housing also described as difficult to access. By contrast the PRS was perceived as offering more choice and flexibility than other tenures, especially in terms of location. It also allowed tenants to move quickly if they needed too. A key driver of satisfaction was their relationship with their landlord and their landlord’s behaviour.Accessing Accommodation and Housing Exclusion Accessing Accommodation and Housing Exclusion Some renters reported difficulties in accessing accommodation. A key driver was affordability and competition for properties, but pre-tenancy checks also created barriers, especially for those on lower incomes and in receipt of social security benefits. Similar issues arose around requirements for sizeable deposits and rent upfront. Overall, these pressures forced renters to make difficult trade-offs, often compromising on the location, size, and quality of the property. Challenges Facing Renters Three main challenges were highlighted by renters: 1. Affordability: many of our participants spent significant proportions of their income on rent and reported it as something they worried about. Some described feeling trapped in the sector unable to move on, whilst those on low and precarious incomes were forced to cut back on other areas of spending and struggled to manage on a limited budget. 2. Property conditions and repairs: many renters expressed frustration with the speed and quality of landlord repairs, as well as the wider reluctance of their landlord to invest in and/ or modernise the property. Many low-income renters found it difficult to keep their property warm and reported higher incidences of mould and damp. Yet tenants could be reluctant to raise repairing issues with their landlord and sometimes ended up fixing things themselves. 3. Making a home: renters reported frustration at being unable to fully personalise their property. For tenants with disabilities this could also make it less accessible. Intrusive inspections and worries about how long they could remain in the property, which was in part also driven by affordability concerns, further undermined renters’ sense of home. Awareness of Rights and Priorities for Change Awareness of the new rights afforded by the private residential tenancy (PRS) was low. Whilst there was some awareness of independent sources of support available, some renters still described feeling intimidated and overwhelmed at the prospect of taking further action. There remains a need for ongoing housing education to raise awareness and to give tenants confidence to exercise their rights if and when a problem should occur. Nonetheless renters were keen to see change especially around affordability, repairs, accountability of landlords and making a home.