New data from the English Housing Survey reveals that most private renters in England choose to end their tenancies voluntarily rather than being evicted. The findings, covering the period 2024 to 2025 before the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, offer valuable insights into tenant behaviour and satisfaction within the private rented sector.

Majority of Tenants Leave by Choice

The survey shows that 63% of private renters ended their tenancy because they wanted to move, not because they were forced out. Only 14% reported being asked to leave by their landlord or letting agent, while a mere 2% ended their tenancy due to a poor relationship with their landlord. This suggests that eviction is not the primary reason for tenancy terminations in the private rented sector.

Among those who moved, the most common motivation was the desire for a larger property, cited by 24% of tenants. Job-related reasons accounted for 23%, while personal factors such as wanting to live in a better neighbourhood (20%) or closer to friends and family (8%) were also significant drivers. In contrast, fewer than 5% moved due to landlord-related issues like disputes or affordability problems.

Landlord Sales and Tenancy Endings

The survey also highlights that over half (57%) of tenants whose tenancy ended in the past three years were asked to leave because their landlord intended to sell the property or use it personally. This underscores the impact of landlord decisions on tenancy continuity, separate from tenant choice or eviction processes.

Positive Tenant Perceptions of the Private Rented Sector

Tenants generally expressed positive views about their housing situation. A significant majority (79%) felt safe from eviction, while 68% believed their housing was stable enough to support long-term planning. Additionally, 66% felt encouraged to invest in their community, and 80% reported a sense of home in their rented property. These figures indicate a level of tenant confidence and satisfaction within the sector.

The survey also confirms that assured shorthold tenancies remain the predominant agreement type, held by 86% of private renters. However, the recent Renters’ Rights Act has abolished assured shorthold tenancies and removed fixed terms from assured tenancies, signalling a major shift in tenancy structures.

What this means for landlords

For landlords and letting agents, the data emphasises the importance of maintaining positive relationships with tenants and recognising that most tenancy endings are tenant-led. Understanding tenants’ reasons for moving, such as seeking larger homes or relocating for work, can inform property management and marketing strategies.

The high proportion of tenants feeling secure and settled suggests that landlords who provide stable, well-managed tenancies may benefit from longer-term occupancy and community engagement. However, the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, particularly the removal of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies, may require landlords to adapt their letting practices and tenancy agreements carefully.

Landlords should also be aware of the impact that decisions to sell or repurpose properties have on tenants, as these remain a significant cause of tenancy terminations. Clear communication and planning can help manage these transitions smoothly.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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