A new piece of research has highlighted the scale of insecurity facing renters in the UK, revealing that more than 1.2 million tenants – around 11% of the private rented sector – have received a Section 21 eviction notice at some point.
The findings underline how common so-called “no-fault” evictions have become, reinforcing concerns about stability and long-term security for renters across the country.
Despite this, there is cautious optimism about future reforms. More than three-quarters of renters surveyed, around 76%, believe the Renters’ Rights Bill will improve the overall experience of renting privately.
Many tenants feel the proposed changes could bring greater balance between landlords and renters, particularly around security of tenure and clearer standards within the sector.
However, the study also reveals a significant awareness gap. More than one in seven renters, roughly 15%, admitted they were not aware of the Renters’ Rights Bill at all, suggesting that communication around the reforms has not reached everyone affected.
Long-term renting is increasingly seen as the norm rather than a temporary stage. Nearly a quarter of respondents, 24%, said they expect to remain in rented accommodation indefinitely, rather than moving on to home ownership.
This expectation reflects broader affordability pressures, including high house prices, mortgage costs, and the challenge of saving for a deposit while paying rising rents.
The research also challenges assumptions around renters and pet ownership. Half of all renters surveyed said they currently have a pet, indicating that pets are far more common in rented homes than often assumed.
Of those with pets, around 45% said their landlord had explicitly allowed them to keep an animal, showing a growing level of flexibility among some property owners.
However, a small proportion – close to 5% – admitted they have a pet despite their landlord refusing permission, highlighting ongoing tensions around pet policies in rental agreements.
The study was conducted by Co-op Insurance and also explored renters’ financial preparedness, particularly when it comes to protecting their belongings.
More than two-fifths of renters, around 44%, said they do not have any form of insurance covering their rented home or contents.
A lack of understanding appears to be a major factor. One in five renters, 20%, said they were not aware that contents insurance was something they needed to consider at all.
This is significant given the value of possessions held by many renters. One in eight respondents estimated the total value of their belongings at £9,000 or more.
Across the survey as a whole, the average value of renters’ contents was estimated at over £4,500, underlining the potential financial risk faced by those without insurance cover.
Taken together, the findings paint a picture of a rental sector under pressure, with growing concerns around eviction, long-term renting, and financial protection, even as many renters look to upcoming reforms with cautious hope.
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