We are delighted to share the results of public polling commissioned by the Renters' Reform Coalition and carried out by Opinium over the summer. For the first time, this polling reveals the sheer scale of public support for private renting reform.
These findings affirm what we’ve already heard from our member organisations and many of you that have signed up to join our campaign. Now we have the data to prove it.
Increasing security for renters is undeniably popular with the public, with 79% believing private landlords should be legally required to provide a reason for evicting a private renter before doing so. Backed by those who voted Conservative at the 2019 general election (80%) and those aged over 65 (86%).
In particular, voters want to see an end to no-fault evictions and share our belief that two months is simply not long enough for renters to find a new suitable home, with 84% reporting a longer notice period is reasonable if the renter is not at fault. In fact, voters – including ‘red wall’ and Conservative voters – were supportive of all 11 pro-tenant policies that we tested. Regardless of political, generational or geographical divides – the public wants reform.
In light of the near consensus on the need for change, bringing forward the Renters’ Reform Bill is more important now than ever. As we head into winter and a cost-of-living crisis, with high energy costs looming, many renters are living on the edge of financial catastrophe. The public wants action on this, 74% supporting government action to prevent private rents increasing beyond the rate of wage inflation.
The Renters’ Reform Coalition speaks to far too many people unhappy with the status quo. There is an urgent opportunity for Prime Minister Liz Truss to tackle the state of permanent insecurity experienced by a group who make up a fifth of UK households: private renters. Prioritising the Renters’ Reform Bill is a sure-fire way for the new Prime Minister to appeal to all voters – including past, current and future Conservative voters.