Beyond Generation Rent: Understanding the aspirations of private renters aged 35-54

Beyond Generation Rent: Understanding the aspirations of private renters aged 35-54 seeks out the experiences of older renters in the private rented sector (PRS). Carried out by Dr Kim McKee for the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), it follows on from their previous research focused on younger private renters.

Similarities between older and younger renters

The research found many similarities in the experiences of older and younger renters. Most did not want to be in the PRS longterm, but had similar challenges to younger tenants in being able to save enough to exit the sector or even move to a different PRS property. Many of the older age group had experienced forced moves, periods of homelessness, discrimination, and poor and illegal practice.

Differences between older and younger renters

The research highlights the financial stresses of renting and the challenges of making a rental a family home suitable for children. Separated parents face not being able to afford properties where children can stay overnight. Parents who took part in the research also noted discrimination against families with children, suggesting low income parents may face a double disadvantage.

Housing Rights conference

This important piece of research will be explored further at Housing Rights upcoming PRS conference. We are delighted that Dr Kim MCKee will be presenting on the day.

Housing Rights’ annual private rented sector conference will be held on Wednesday 20^th November, in the Skainos Centre, Belfast. With the role of the sector taking on increasing importance in meeting housing need, this year’s conference has a bumper programme and will unpack key issues including:

• Dispute resolution, including the role for mediation
• Improving regulation and enforcement with a focus on the emergence of Air BnB and an update on the new HMO regime
• Learning from landlords and tenants including a focus on; the experiences of older tenants, the views of private landlords and the work to involve tenants in policy decisions.
• Looking ahead to how the sector can meet the challenges presented by welfare reform.

Find out more and book your place.