The biggest drawbacks of renting have been identified in a new study, with messy roommates and not enough space at the top of the list.
The survey among 2,000 tenants between the ages of 20 and 40 showed that 74 percent have problems with their living space.
Most respondents to co-living brand ARK’s survey said insufficient space (24 percent) and too expensive (22 percent) were the top concerns when renting, along with poor insulation (22 percent).
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the rate is higher for London tenants who find their rental properties expensive at 31 percent. And 22 per cent of Londoners said they missed access to outdoor space.
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Too little space and too expensive are some of the main problems for tenants renting a home
Apart from the shortcomings of a home, nine out of ten – with 93 percent – also notice disadvantages of living together and renting with others.
More than half – 54 percent – don’t like cleaning up after their roommates, and two in five – 41 percent – don’t like noisy roommates.
With recent energy price increases, 38 percent point out that housemates may be wasting energy through their habits, such as leaving the lights on or turning the heating on too high.
A total of 29 percent also dislike when housemates steal their food, and a quarter – 24 percent – are annoyed by the queue for the shower in the morning.
However, there are still many positives to renting, as the survey shows, with 95 percent saying they appreciate at least one thing about living and renting with others.
Two out of three – 65 percent – say it is more affordable, while half – 50 percent – say they feel less lonely.
Indeed, a third – 32 percent – appreciate the support of their roommates during difficult times, and about a quarter – 28 percent – enjoy watching shows or movies together.
Similarly, a quarter – 27 percent – find it easier to make new friends in a new neighborhood, and another quarter – 25 percent – enjoy resting with their roommates after a long day.
More than half of the tenants indicate that they do not like cleaning up after their housemates
Unsurprisingly, most value a sense of community: more than half (55 percent) say it’s essential to their well-being and 46 percent say community spirit has become more important over the past three years.
Two in three – 66 percent – say that participating in activities with others is more fun, and a similar percentage – 61 percent – would like more opportunities to meet new people.
Charlie Gayner, of ARK Co-living, said: ‘With a generation of private tenants growing rapidly across the country and rising costs and inflation affecting the affordability of living, many people will need to consider shared living options in the near future .
“Three years ago, the pandemic turned our world upside down and our homes and living conditions felt more important than ever. While we supported each other within our tight-knit bubbles, it also shone a light on our tolerance for privacy and space.”
Separate research from SpareRoom found tenants had to pay an eye-watering average price of £683 a month to rent just one room
Danielle Bayless, of Quintain Living – who built a Build-to-Rent project in Wembley Park where utility bills are included in tenants’ monthly costs – offered her thoughts on what makes a successful rental property.
She said: ‘Wembley Park as a neighborhood has been designed to have all amenities within a 15 minute walk. Our residents stay longer, making Wembley Park their home and the sense of community is an important part of it.
“Our residents value community and it’s something we really focus on with our homes to rent. Our resident events are hugely popular, whether it’s the Paint & Prosecco evenings, rooftop Pilates classes, supper clubs or gardening advice sessions, they are always well attended and allow residents to get to know their neighbors – and learn something to do what they do themselves. enjoy for their well-being.
“Through these events and other initiatives to address issues such as loneliness that are common in big cities, we have seen real connections and long-lasting friendships emerge.”
Separate research found that tenants had to pay an eye-watering average price of £683 a month to rent just a room, with Londoners typically paying the most at £952 a month.
Data from home sharing website, SpareRoom, showed that room rents have risen by 10 per cent or more in all regions of Britain.
At £952, the average room rent in London has seen its biggest percentage increase, up 20 per cent in a year. It compares to a national average of £683 a month to rent a room, which is an increase of 15 per cent in a year.