What do lower income tenants in Scotland’s private rented sector want to see from a new Rented Sector? Summary Report

The private rented sector (PRS) is now home to one-in-seven Scottish households. The sector has grown significantly over the last twenty years and now houses a diverse population, including families with children, low-income and other vulnerable groups, many of whom face difficulties in accessing other tenures. The Scottish Government is committed to significant further reform of the private rented sector, informed by tenants, as part of their ambition to deliver the Right to Adequate Housing for all and the Housing to 2040 vision. Earlier in 2022, the Scottish Government launched A New Deal for Tenants – Draft Strategy Consultation Paper seeking to boost the availability, quality, standards, affordability, and security for all renters. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in partnership with the Scottish Government commissioned this research to better understand the experiences of private renters and their priorities for change, particularly those on lower incomes, to help inform the development of the strategy and future reform.

The research involved an evidence review, qualitative interviews with low-income renters, a bespoke survey of renters in Scotland, and an innovative co-production element to bring together renters, stakeholders and policymakers to co-develop recommendations for change.

This report provides a summary and synthesis of the research project, setting out key findings relating to:
• The challenges faced by renters, and in particular, lower income renters across Scotland
• The recommendations for change co-developed with renters to address these challenges