Renters face affordability and eviction worries amid rising costs

Renters face affordability and eviction worries amid rising costs

0:03 AM, 14th November 2023, About 12 months ago 2

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The most popular search terms among tenants in the UK are reflecting growing concerns over affordability and eviction, research reveals.

The study by Zero Deposit analysed Google search term trends around renting to reveal which topics have seen the largest increase in interest from tenants.

It reveals that more tenants are worried about the cost of renting compared to six months ago.

Search popularity for the term ‘rental affordability’ rose by 81.2% between April 2023 and August 2023, the largest increase of all search terms analysed.

Tenant legal rights was another area that attracted more searches, with the interest score rising by 45.2% over the last six months.

Meanwhile, searches for the term eviction notice climbed by 13.2%, followed by the rental deposit (+10.9%) and deposit protection (+8.8%).

‘Affordability remains the biggest concern’

The firm’s chief executive, Sam Reynolds, said: “Rental market affordability remains the biggest concern for the nation’s tenants, and this is evident given the huge increase in search interest seen over the last six months alone.

“However, there has also been a notable uplift in interest around tenant rights and evictions.

“This isn’t unsurprising given the generally low level of understanding of both topics alongside new additions to the Renters (Reform) Bill, including the proposed abolition of Section 21 evictions.”

Tenancy agreement and rent arrears

Searches for the terms tenancy agreement and rent arrears also saw an increase in popularity over the last six months at 5.8% and 1.9% respectively.

Also, fewer tenants are searching for rental properties, as the interest score fell by -52.5% when compared to six months ago.

There were also fewer searches about rental property conditions (-51.1%) and rent increases or rising rents (-14.4%).

Mr Reynolds said: “Interestingly far fewer are currently interested in finding a property, indicating that most tenants want to stay put rather than leave.

“Rents have increased by 9.56% in the last 12 months, so for many, the cost to move is simply prohibitive.

“This also explains why they want to know where they stand with respect to their current rights.”


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Martin Roberts

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11:27 AM, 14th November 2023, About 12 months ago

How do they know it's tenants making these searches?

Could be parents looking to help kids into uni, or landlords making sure they don’t infringe tenant's rights.

Boris

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12:17 PM, 14th November 2023, About 12 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin Roberts at 14/11/2023 - 11:27
Martin - Never let the truth get in the way of a good story

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