Living in Scotland’s private rented sector: A bespoke survey of renters’ experiences

This report sets out the findings of the bespoke survey element of the Tenants’ priorities for reforming the PRS in Scotland project, undertaken collaboratively with colleagues at the University of Huddersfield (previously Edge Hill University) and CaCHE.

Drawing upon the initial findings from the evidence review and qualitative elements of this study, the survey was designed to collect information on a broad range of experiences and challenges. Alongside demographic questions, areas of focus included affordability and financial distress, finding a tenancy, security and flexibility of tenure, disputes, housing conditions, a sense of home, impact on health and wellbeing, and priorities for change. To access a larger sample of renters in a short space of time, a dedicated survey company was used. YouGov undertook the fieldwork for the survey between the 15th to 28th November 2021. The total sample size was 1,012 adults.

The report sets out the key findings from the survey, including on the issues of financial distress and affordability, finding a tenancy, property conditions, the impact of renting on health and wellbeing.