Almost half of private renters in England reported dealing with letting agents who broke the law during a three-year period [1].
This widespread noncompliance suggests a systemic failure in the regulation of the rental market, leaving millions of tenants vulnerable to illegal practices and unsafe living conditions.
A survey conducted by Citizens Advice found that 48% of private renters encountered rule-breaking agents [1]. This percentage represents nearly 4 million people across England [1]. The findings highlight a significant gap between housing legislation and the actual experiences of tenants.
Agents were found to be violating laws in several critical areas. The most prevalent issues included the unlawful withholding of security deposits, and the provision of sub-standard services [2, 4].
Access to essential maintenance was another primary concern. More than two-thirds of affected renters were left waiting for emergency repairs [3]. These delays often leave tenants in precarious situations where basic habitability is compromised.
Citizens Advice said these breaches are not isolated incidents but are recurring patterns within the industry. The organization said these findings underscore the need for stronger enforcement of renters' rights [4].
“48% of private renters encountered rule-breaking agents”
The scale of these violations indicates that current deterrents for letting agents are insufficient. When nearly half of a population faces illegal treatment—specifically regarding deposits and emergency repairs—it suggests that agents may view the risk of penalties as lower than the benefit of noncompliance. This data provides a baseline for policymakers to argue for more stringent oversight and a more robust Renters' Rights Act to ensure legal protections are enforceable.
