Children are now more likely than working-age adults to reside in Britain's private rented sector, according to new figures. The data shows that 23 per cent of children live in such homes, compared to 22 per cent of working-age adults.
Rise in Child Tenants
The number of children in privately rented homes has nearly tripled, rising from 1.1 million in 2000-01 to an estimated 3.2 million by 2024-25. This surge is driven by young families being priced out of homeownership, as house prices and deposit requirements continue to outpace wage growth.
Changing Demographics
The private rented sector has more than doubled in size since the turn of the century, now housing 12.9 million people in 5.1 million households. This expansion has significantly altered tenant demographics. The share of people in their 30s living in private rented accommodation has nearly trebled from 10 per cent to 28 per cent between 2000-01 and 2024-25, indicating a shift towards longer-term renting for families.
Policy Response
The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which recently came into force in England, aims to address insecurity in the sector. Key provisions include ending Section 21 'no fault' evictions, requiring landlords to consider pet requests, and allowing tenants to challenge unfair rent hikes. These measures are designed to provide greater stability for the growing number of families renting privately.
Vicky Shaw, personal finance correspondent, noted that the statistics highlight how young families in the UK are being 'priced out of homeownership', forcing them into long-term renting. The trend underscores the need for policies that support affordable housing and rental protections.
