The Role of Private Landlords in Making a Rented House a Home

Citation

Rolfe S, McKee K, Feather J, Simcock T & Hoolachan J (2022) The Role of Private Landlords in Making a Rented House a Home. International Journal of Housing Policy. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2021.2019882

Abstract
The growth of the private rented sector (PRS) since the 2000s in countries with lightly regulated markets has led to significant questions over its ability to provide a homely environment for tenants. Much of the research in this area argues that legal frameworks, lack of regulation and financial motives of landlords are not conducive to the provision of homes which are secure, affordable, good quality and which offer tenants an opportunity to meet their health and wellbeing needs. This is despite legislative changes that seek to raise standards in the sector and promote greater professionalisation. This paper presents findings from an evidence review of research concerning home within the PRS across OECD countries. Rather than focusing on the experiences of tenants, it considers the impacts of landlord and letting agent behaviours on tenants’ ability to make their rented house a home. We argue that landlords and letting agents can play a positive role in helping their tenants create a home, and that this offers benefits for both landlords and renters.

Keywords
home; private rented sector; landlords; letting agents; wellbeing

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online

Journal
International Journal of Housing Policy

People

Dr Kim McKee

Senior Lecturer, Housing Studies

Dr Steve Rolfe

Lecturer in Social Policy, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology