A survey by English Housing shows the number of families with children in the private rented sector (PRS) rose by nearly a million over the last ten years and now represents 38% of all tenancies.  This compares to 35% in social housing.  The PRS remains a vital part of the housing market providing homes to a fifth of the population and nearly 2 million families with children.  In London it is now the most prevalent tenure.

The proportion of 35-44 year olds has also increased in this period to a quarter which corresponds exactly with the decline in owner occupiers in this age group.  Interestingly, the proportion of this age group in the social housing sector has not changed at all.

RLA Policy Director David Smith says “The Government needs to recognise its vital role in the housing market and implement pro- growth tax and planning policies to support the majority of landlords who are individuals to meet ever growing demand for rented housing.”