The number of children living in Britain's private rented sector has surpassed that of working-age adults for the first time, according to new data. As of 2024-25, 23 per cent of children reside in privately rented homes, compared to 22 per cent of working-age adults. This marks a dramatic shift from the turn of the century, when just 1.1 million children lived in such accommodation. By 2024-25, that figure has nearly tripled to an estimated 3.2 million, driven largely by young families being priced out of homeownership.
Rise of the Private Rented Sector
The private rented sector has more than doubled in size since 2000-01, now housing 12.9 million people across 5.1 million households. This growth has fundamentally altered tenant demographics. The share of people in their 30s living in private rentals has nearly trebled, from 10 per cent in 2000-01 to 28 per cent in 2024-25, indicating a long-term shift towards renting for families.
Renters' Rights Act 2025
In response to these trends, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force in England, aiming to provide greater security for tenants. Key changes include the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions, a requirement for landlords to consider requests for pets, and new provisions allowing tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases. These measures are designed to address the insecurity that has long plagued the private rented sector.
The data underscores the growing challenge of housing affordability in the UK, with many young families finding homeownership out of reach. As the private rented sector continues to expand, policymakers face increasing pressure to ensure that renting offers stability and fairness for all tenants.
