Almost four in five renters say renting in the UK is having an impact on their general wellbeing according to research from Housing Hand, with affordability pressures and uncertainty continuing to weigh heavily on tenants across the private rented sector.
The findings, published in Housing Hand’s new Understanding Renters in 2026 report, reveal that 79% of renters believe their rental experience affects their overall wellbeing.
The report, based on a survey of around 1,700 current renters across the UK, also found that 69% of tenants currently hold negative feelings towards renting, with many describing themselves as overwhelmed, uncertain or anxious about their housing situation.
Among those surveyed, 23% said renting made them feel overwhelmed, while 18% felt uncertain and 16% described themselves as anxious. Smaller proportions reported feeling scared (7%) or out of their depth (5%).
LACK OF CONTROL
Only 31% of renters expressed positive emotions about renting, with just 10% saying they felt confident and 7% feeling in control.
Affordability remains the biggest concern facing tenants, with two thirds (66%) saying they worry about being able to afford the type of property they want to rent. More than half (56%) also expressed concern about successfully securing a property in the current market.
The research further highlights financial insecurity within the rental sector, with 46% admitting they would not know what to do if they found themselves unable to pay their rent.
Housing Hand says the findings demonstrate the wider emotional and psychological impact of renting, particularly at a time when many tenants continue to face high rents, strong competition for homes and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
KEY OPPORTUNITY
Graham Hayward (main picture), Managing Director at Housing Hand, says: “Our latest Understanding Renters report shows the huge impact that renting has on people’s wellbeing.
“This represents a key opportunity, as getting renting right could have enormous wellbeing benefits. It highlights the value of focusing not just on the quality of private rental accommodation but also the process of securing a home.
“Housing Hand’s experience has shown that making the rental experience easy to navigate and understand can be a gamechanger in how renters feel.”
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT
The report comes during Mental Health Awareness Week and follows the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which aims to strengthen tenant protections and improve standards across the private rented sector.
Housing Hand says it has expanded support services for tenants following findings from its previous research.
Alongside its guarantor offering, the company now provides customers with access to free 24/7 GP and mental health support through a partnership with HealthHero, in association with Gallagher UK.
Hayward adds: “Renting somewhere new means adjusting to new surroundings and new routines, which can be both exciting and stressful.
By providing free, professional health and wellbeing services to all of our guarantor customers, we aim to provide renters with greater peace of mind.”
