On 5th February, The Nationwide Foundation launched the first of several reports as part of an ongoing project that has the potential to support genuine transformation of the private rented sector (PRS).   

Supporting Systemic Change in the Private Rented Sector: What don’t we know?  is a systematic review of research gaps in the PRS.

This new report, which delves into existing knowledge of the sector, is important reading for anyone interested in research into the PRS or wider housing system. It will set the direction for the rest of our significant and long-term research project. 

The research, completed by Julie Rugg from the University of York, has discovered that there are numerous gaps in knowledge of how the PRS functions. These range across eight broad subject areas: 

1. The PRS within the housing market  
2. Expanding responsibility for ensuring that the PRS meets property standards 
3. Emergent letting practice  
4. Local authorities and proactive sector management 
5. Understanding market subsectors  
6. The contribution of larger landlords 
7. Tenants vulnerable to harm in the PRS 
8. PRS stock and retrofitting
   

Click the following link to read more The Private Rented Sector: What don’t we know?  - Nationwide Foundation