The ‘Understanding Renters in 2025 report’ surveyed working professionals and students renting privately in the UK, the vast. majority aged 16-30. A worrying 85 percent under 30 felt that they did not get proper financial education at school.
Huge numbers of young people across the UK feel ‘scared’ and ‘overwhelmed’ when they rent for the first time, according to new research.
The ‘Understanding Renters in 2025 report’ surveyed working professionals and students renting privately in the UK, with the vast majority aged 16-30. A worrying 85 percent under 30 felt that they did not get proper financial education at school. Around one in three turned to family for advice.
Only 32 percent were aware of depositless rental schemes, while half were unaware of deposit protection schemes. Those aged 16 to 30 seeking rental properties felt: overwhelmed (26%), uncertain (20%), anxious (19%) and scared (8%).
READ MORE: Celebrate 98 Years of Oscar-Winning Legends with this special edition on sale nowREAD MORE: Ian Huntley ‘so close to death’ medics had to make life-saving decision at prison
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Dani Smith, of Housing Hand, the rental services provider which conducted the research, said: “Young people should feel excited about heading out into the world and renting their first home. But lack of knowledge is denting confidence and negatively impacting the experience from the start.” Renters under 30 also lack knowledge about what to do if they get into difficulties with their rent.
Almost two in three admitted they wouldn’t know what to do if they couldn’t pay their rent, with the vast majority (84%) saying they would turn to their parents for help in such a situation.
Raphael Tindale, a 23-year-old Londoner and Newcastle University BA Modern Languages student, admitted that renting property is difficult for young people. “I will be moving back to London after uni,” he said. “I think for most young people in my position it would be silly not to move back in with family.
“In London you would be paying a fortune for a box room somewhere. Many people are now aware of the importance of credit scores and how a negative score can complicate future matters. “I get a full loan but the most disadvantaged have the highest loans and now have to pay back the highest interest and that is a terrible cycle with the interest on the debt going up.” The Renters’ Rights Act from May 1, 2026 will “give 11m renters stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes”, according to the Ministry of Housing.
Mr Smith added: “The Renters’ Rights Act presents a huge opportunity to address a range of issues in the rental sector, including knowledge gaps among tenants.
“As the Act comes into force this year, we look forward to working with young renters to ensure they understand their rights in relation to different types of rental accommodation. We will support them to navigate the rental sector with confidence.”
Housing Hand offers support services to renters, and is a rent guarantor. It provides thousands of tenancies with guaranteed rent every year. With more 4,000 partners, it has helped 100,000 students and professionals, and has covered almost £800m in rent.
