Most Private Tenants Are Content - So What Does That Really Tell Landlords?
The latest English Housing Survey offers a welcome reminder that the private rental sector is not all doom and gloom. With most tenants satisfied with their tenure, responsible landlords have every reason to feel confident - provided their properties are well managed, compliant and supported by the right advice at every stage and every tenancy too.
It is easy to feel that the private rental sector is constantly under attack. Between new legislation, political headlines, rent pressures and regular commentary about tenant dissatisfaction, landlords could be forgiven for thinking the picture is almost entirely negative.
But the latest English Housing Survey tells a more balanced story.
According to the government’s new private rented sector factsheet, 66% of private renters were satisfied with their tenure in 2024–25. That figure is slightly down from 70% five years earlier, but it still shows that the majority of tenants are content with their place in the private rental sector.
The English Housing Survey is an official national survey of housing circumstances in England, first run in 1967, and the latest factsheet was designed to give a baseline picture of the sector before the Renters’ Rights Act reforms took effect.
For landlords, this matters. It reminds us that while reform, regulation and improvement are all part of the modern lettings landscape, the private rental sector continues to provide homes that many tenants value and rely upon.
The headlines do not always tell the whole story
There are undoubtedly challenges in the rental market. Affordability, supply, regulation, property standards and tenant security all remain important issues. However, the latest data shows that the reality is more nuanced than the usual “landlords versus tenants” narrative.
Many tenants move for perfectly normal life reasons. Among private renters who moved from one private rented home to another, the most common reasons were wanting a larger property at 24% and job-related reasons at 23%.
Other reasons included moving to a better neighbourhood, moving closer to family or friends, or wanting a cheaper home.
That is important because it shows that movement within the rental sector is not always caused by poor landlord relationships or dissatisfaction. In many cases, tenants are simply moving through life; changing jobs, growing families, changing priorities and looking for a home that better fits their next chapter.
Good landlords still make a big difference
The data also highlights something we see every day at Cope & Co.; good management matters.
A well-maintained property, clear communication and fair processes can make a huge difference to the landlord and tenant relationship.
The survey found that half of private renters who made a complaint were unhappy with the outcome, and many tenants who considered complaining did not do so because they did not want to cause a problem with their landlord or agent, did not believe something would be done, or felt it would take too much time.
That is not just a statistic. It is a reminder.
The strongest landlords are not simply those who own good properties. They are the ones who respond properly, communicate clearly, keep records, handle repairs professionally and treat tenants with respect.
This is where good property management becomes more than administration, it becomes protection for the landlord, reassurance for the tenant and stability for the tenancy.
The Renters’ Rights Act changes the landscape
The latest government factsheet was specifically designed to show the state of the private rented sector before the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act. Phase One of the reforms took effect on 1 May 2026, with changes including the abolition of Section 21 notices and a move towards reformed possession grounds under Section 8.
For landlords in Derby and across the country, this means the importance of getting things right from the start has never been greater.
Tenancy paperwork, referencing, compliance, property condition, communication and possession processes all need to be handled with care. The days of informal arrangements and reactive management are fading quickly. The future belongs to landlords who are organised, compliant and confident in the way they let and manage their properties.
A positive message for responsible landlords
This latest data should be encouraging for landlords. Despite the pressure around the sector, most private tenants remain satisfied with their rental tenure. Many feel settled, many move for normal personal reasons, and many continue to rely on private landlords to provide good-quality homes.
But it should also be a prompt.
Tenant satisfaction does not happen by accident. It is usually the result of good property standards, fair expectations, prompt communication and professional management. These are the things that help reduce disputes, protect income and create better outcomes for everyone involved.
At Cope & Co., our role as a Letting Agent in Derby is to help landlords move with confidence through a changing market. Whether you need full property management in Derby, Rent Guarantee support, advice on the Renters’ Rights Act, or help preparing your buy-to-let for the next stage, our team is here to guide you.
The private rental sector is changing, but good landlords still have a vital role to play. With the right advice, the right systems and the right support, it is possible to provide tenants with a secure, well-managed home while protecting your investment at the same time.
Need help managing your rental property?
If you are a landlord looking for clear, practical guidance, speak to Cope & Co. today. We support landlords across Derby with property management, compliance, rent guarantee, tenant communication and buy-to-let advice.
Whether you are an experienced portfolio landlord or you are considering your first Buy to Let in Derby, we can help you let with clarity, confidence and control.
