Figures from the latest English Housing Survey have sparked debate over the merits of the Renters' Reform Act, as government data appears to challenge some of the underlying assumptions that drove the legislation. The survey's findings suggest that landlord-led evictions may not be as prevalent as previously thought, with a significant majority of private tenancies ending because renters chose to move.
According to the survey, 63% of private tenancies concluded in the preceding year due to voluntary exits, while just 14% were ended at the request of the landlord or agent. Only 3% cited rent increases as the reason for leaving. These figures raise questions about the primary justification for the Act, which focused on abolishing Section 21 'no-fault' evictions.
Among private renters who reported being asked to leave in the previous three years, Section 21 notices accounted for 45% of cases, with another 37% being asked informally. When landlords were asked why they wanted tenants to leave, 57% cited plans to sell the property or use it themselves, while 38% gave other reasons.
The survey also highlights ongoing affordability pressures within the private rented sector, particularly in London where the average rent reached £393 per week in 2024-25. Private renters were found to spend an average of 34% of their household income on rent, a figure that increased to 39% when housing support was excluded.
Despite these cost pressures, just 2% of private renters are currently behind on rent, with a combined 5% having fallen into arrears at some point in the previous year – a figure consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Two-thirds (66%) of private renters reported being satisfied with their tenure, though this marks a slight decrease from five years prior.
The survey's findings come as the private rented sector continues to represent 19% of households in England, equating to approximately 4.7 million homes. London, however, saw a notable drop in its private renting population from 32% to 28% in a single year.