The latest English Housing Survey has shed light on the relatively infrequent use of Section 21 evictions. Propertymark’s analysis of the 2022-23 survey data reveals that a substantial 63% of private renters who relocated in the past year did so voluntarily. The primary motivators for these moves were job-related reasons, the desire for larger properties, or the pursuit of better living areas.

In stark contrast, only 9% of private rental sector households reported eviction as the reason for their move. Most of these evictions occurred because landlords either intended to sell the property or move into it themselves. Among those evicted, more than half were asked to leave informally, 37% received a Section 21 notice, and a mere 2% were issued a Section 8 notice.

Despite concerns about housing security, 78% of private renters expressed feeling safe from eviction, and 68% felt sufficiently secure in their housing situation to make long-term life decisions. Furthermore, three-quarters of renters considered their rented accommodation to be their home and felt a sense of community investment.

The survey also highlighted demographic insights within the private rental sector (PRS), indicating that 19% of the population resides in the PRS, with a younger average age compared to other housing tenures. Single-person households make up 33% of the sector, while 40% consists of couples with or without dependent children.

Overcrowding remains a concern, with 5% of PRS homes classified as such, predominantly in London. Conversely, 16% of properties are under-occupied, having at least one spare bedroom. Private renters face the highest weekly housing costs across all tenures, with a mean expenditure of £231. Significant regional disparities exist, with London tenants paying double the amount compared to those in the North East.

Private renters are also more likely to reside in substandard, hazardous, or damp homes. The survey found that 2.1 million owner-occupiers also live in homes with at least one category 1 hazard, but private tenants are five times more likely to encounter damp conditions. Rural homes, particularly in villages and hamlets, are twice as likely to have category 1 hazards compared to urban properties. These rural homes, often older and less energy-efficient, suffer from higher disrepair levels, with 26% failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard. This standard is set to become mandatory for the private rental sector under new government policies.

The median cost to upgrade non-decent homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard is estimated at £7,953, posing a significant financial challenge for many landlords and homeowners.