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August 2023 - Housing

Just over a quarter of social renters have savings, compared to half of private renters: The English Housing Survey (EHS) reveals a snapshot into the lives of social renters, compared to their private renter and home occupier counterparts, with the latest findings highlighting that just 26% of social renters have savings, compared to 52% of private renters and 78% of owner occupiers.

The English Housing Survey (EHS) is one of the oldest surveys conducted by the government, and has been conducted annually since 1967. The most recent survey also found that social renters are less likely to have savings of £16,000 or more (2%) compared to private renters (12%) and homeowners (27%). 

While social renters are likely (on average) to pay less rent than private renters, the research found that they are more likely to be in arrears (18% vs 7%).  And while three-quarters of social renters report finding it 'easy' to pay their rent, younger renters in this category are more likely to find it difficult (33%) than older renters aged 75+ (11%). 

The survey also asked questions around the living conditions of different housing tenures, finding that while socially rented properties are more likely to have damp (4%) than owner occupied homes (2%), privately rented homes were even more more likely to have this issue (11%). The research also found that to make a social rented home 'decent' it would cost £5,300, compared to £8,000 for private rented and £8,200 for owner occupied properties. 

Feeling safe at home

When asked about what makes them feel unsafe at home, 8% of social renters said they do not feel safe due to the threat of fire break out, with those who live in high-rise blocks considerably more likely to feel unsafe (30%). Just over one in 10 tenants in low rise flats said they do not feel safe due to fire hazard (11%), while 7% said the same about living in a house. 

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