Big differences in renters’ experiences across the country

An online tenant-based website claims a stark difference in renter satisfaction and deposit protection across the UK.

Research by Marks out of Tenancy, which allows tenants to review landlords, analysed 2,299 tenant reviews and found that in some areas, such as the North West, deposit protection rates were under half, at 42.1%.

However, the study also shows that tenant satisfaction is high in many areas.

Disparities renters face depending on where they live

In Bath, renters in South Central and Central West scored their landlords and properties far lower, averaging just 1.99 and 1.86, highlighting issues with property management and tenant care in those areas.

However, tenants in Twerton and Oldfield Park in Bath reported average satisfaction scores of 4.57 out of 5, with many tenants reflecting positive experiences and relatively high standards in the local rental market.

The study also reveals that deposit protection compliance differs sharply across the country. The North West region was the worst, with deposit protection rates at 42.1% in certain areas.

However, Nottingham scored 89.3%, with Marks out of Tenancy saying this demonstrates both strong regulatory compliance and high levels of tenant trust.

Despite the North West performing poorly in some areas, certain parts consistently outperformed Central West Bath in both tenant satisfaction and deposit protection compliance.

Ben Yarrow from Marks Out Of Tenancy said: “This research shines a light on the very real disparities renters face depending on where they live. Some areas are clearly getting it right, but too many tenants are still left vulnerable, whether through poor property standards or lack of deposit protection. By giving renters a voice and policymakers the data they need, we can push for fairer, safer, and more consistent standards across the whole private rental sector.”

Challenges the misconception that landlords routinely withhold deposits unfairly

Previous research by mydeposits, in a survey partly conducted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, challenges the misconception that landlords routinely withhold deposits unfairly.

The study found that tenants receive all or part of their deposit back in 90% of cases under the insurance-backed scheme, and in over 80% of cases within the custodial scheme.

Meanwhile, landlords recover 100% of the claimed deposit in less than 20% of cases, and only 7% of the time in disputes under the insurance scheme.