How does this differ for social and private sector homes to rent?
Whilst the last 20 years has seen an overall reduction in the quantity of rental properties, there has also been an increase in the amount of private sector properties to rent. But should this lead to a fall in the standard or quality of rental accommodation? To try and answer this question it is necessary to understand how the type of housing is split between private landlord and social housing. According to recent research dwelling types for private and social rental housing are split as follows:
Detached housing - 2% in the social sector, 10% in the private sector
Semi-detached housing - 27% social sector, 19% private sector
Terrace housing - 29% social, 29% private
Flats / apartments - 41% social, 37% private
Looking at this data it would suggest that the social sector provides a higher proportion of smaller properties for tenants to rent. However within the private sector there are some other interesting factors such as a higher percentage of flats (or apartments) that are in fact conversions from larger properties, they are not purpose built. Specific data found on this was:
Social sector - 12% of flats to rent are conversions
Private sector - 51% of flats to rent are conversions
A key factor here is the quality of flats converted, unfortunately very little data is available on this, however many people may have experienced poor quality flat conversions and draw their own conclusions. But, there is another piece of research that highlights some interesting information, how many rental properties have central heating installed? According to research, homes with central heating installed within the private and social sector rental properties is as follows:
All rooms with heating - private sector 77%, social sector 86%
Some rooms with heating - private sector 6%, social sector 6%
No rooms with heating - private sector 17%, social sector 8%
In summary the overall percentage of homes in the rental sector is falling, but at the same time the number or properties within the private sector is increasing. Add this fact to the private sector's higher percentage of converted flats, and the significantly higher percentage of homes without central heating, it might be reasonable to conclude the private sector housing has a higher percentage of poor quality homes? Even if this view is not accepted it might be reasonable to conjecture that greater investment and focus is required to maintain the quality of private rental accommodation, especially as this sector continues to expand. Perhaps greater tax incentives would help the private landlord improve the standards of accommodation?
