Tenants share their biggest bugbears from renting, what is yours?

The biggest drawbacks of renting have been identified in a new survey, with messy flatmates and not having enough room being top of the list.

The poll of 2,000 tenants aged between 20 and 40 years old found that 74 per cent have issues with their living space.

Most respondents to the survey by co-living brand ARK said that not enough space, at 24 per cent, and being too expensive at 22 per cent were the main issues of renting, along with poor insulation at 22 per cent.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the percentage is higher for tenants in London who find their rental homes expensive at 31 per cent. And 22 per cent of Londoners said they missed access to outdoor space.

What is your biggest bugbear from renting? Tell us in reader comments below 

Apart from a property’s faults, nine out of in 10 – at 93 per cent – also notice drawbacks to living and renting with others.

More than half – at 54 per cent – do not like having to clean up after their housemates, and two in five – at 41 per cent – do not like noisy flatmates.

With recent energy price increases, 38 per cent point out that housemates can waste energy due to their habits, including leaving the light on or putting the heating on too much.

A total of 29 per cent also don’t like housemates stealing their food, and a quarter – at 24 per cent – get annoyed with the queue for the shower in the mornings.

However, there are still many positives to renting, as highlighted by the survey, with 95 per cent saying they appreciated at least one thing about living and renting with others.

Two in three – at 65 per cent – point out that it is more affordable, while half – at 50 per cent – say that they feel less lonely.

Indeed, a third – at 32 per cent – appreciate their flatmates’ support during difficult times, and about a quarter – at 28 per cent – enjoy watching shows or films together.

Similarly, a quarter – at 27 per cent – find it easier to make new friends in a new area, and another quarter – at 25 per cent – like to decompress with their flatmates after a long day.

More than half of tenants claim that they do not like having to clean up after their housemates

Unsurprisingly, most value a sense of community, with more than half at 55 per cent saying that it’s vital for their wellbeing, and 46 per cent pointing out that community has become more important in the past three years.

As such, two in three – at 66 per cent – say that taking part in activities with others is more fun, and a similar proportion – at 61 per cent – would like more opportunities to meet new people.

Charlie Gayner, of ARK Co-living, said: ‘As a generation of private renters rapidly grows across the nation, and rising costs and inflation impacting the affordability of living, many people will need to consider shared living options for the foreseeable future.

‘Three years ago the pandemic turned our world upside down, and our homes and living arrangements felt more important than ever. While we supported each other within our close bubbles, it also shone a light on our tolerance for privacy and space.’

Separate research from SpareRoom found tenants having to pay an eye-watering average price of £683 a month to rent just a room

Danielle Bayless, of Quintain Living – which built a Build-to-Rent development in Wembley Park where utility bills are included in tenants’ monthly costs – gave her thoughts on what makes a successful rental home.

She said: ‘Wembley Park as a neighbourhood was designed to have every amenity within a 15 minute walk. Our residents are staying longer, making Wembley Park their home and the sense of community is a key part of that. 

“Our residents value community and it’s something we put a real focus on at our homes to rent. Our regular resident events are hugely popular, be it the Paint & Prosecco evenings, rooftop Pilates classes, supper clubs or gardening advice sessions, they are always well-attended and enable residents to get to know their neighbours – as well as doing their something they enjoy for their wellbeing. 

‘Through these events, and other initiatives to address issues such as loneliness which can be common in big cities, we have seen real connections and long-term friendships form.’ 

Separate research found tenants having to pay an eye-watering average price of £683 a month to rent just a room, with Londoners typically paying the most at £952 a month.

Data from house share website SpareRoom found that room rents have risen 10 per cent or more in every region across Britain.

At £952, the average room rent in London has seen the biggest percentage increase, up 20 per cent in a year. It compares to a national average of £683 a month to rent a room, which is an increase of 15 per cent in a year.