The research highlights the complexity of Suffolk’s private rented sector, shaped by personal histories and the link between housing and wellbeing. While private renting offers flexibility for some, it is precarious and stressful for others, often harming health and concealing unmet needs. Successful tenancies depend on fairness, mutual respect, and open communication—captured by the phrase “my house: your home.” However, many tenants lack this experience, and some landlords face financial losses. Upcoming changes, including the Renters Rights Act 2025, will bring protections but also new risks. The report calls for shared understanding, collaboration, and recognition of housing as a key determinant of health, rather than offering prescriptive solutions.
This section considers what the research tells us about successful tenancies. It considers what might be possible within the existing legislative framework to help generate a culture across Suffolk of collaboration toward a successful private rented sector that works for tenants and landlords across the following key 4 issues that emerged from the research:
Tenants and landlords both value fairness, respect, and clear communication, but approach renting from different perspectives. The tenants we spoke with prioritise paying rent and expect clean, well-maintained properties, timely repairs, and respectful treatment. The landlords we interviewed view renting as a business and accept that it brings responsibilities. They ensure properties are in good condition, expect rent to be paid on time, and that tenants will look after the property. Both parties want easy communication to resolve issues, and while tenants seek security and stability, landlords prefer long-term tenants to avoid financial loss from empty properties. Even with the abolition of ‘no fault’ evictions, tenants will still face the prospect of tenancies ending. They emphasise the need for compassion and clear communication from landlords – and councils if they seek their help – due to the significant impact such events can have on health and wellbeing.
Both tenants and landlords value the idea of “my house: your home,” seeing it as key to successful tenancies. Landlords believe that when tenants feel at home, they are more likely to care for the property, so many allow personal touches like decorating or gardening within reasonable limits. Tenants, even with uncertain tenancy lengths, want to personalise their space to reflect their identity and expect standards that respect their tastes rather than arbitrary rules. Where property adaptations are required to help tenants live with changes to their health and mobility, options will be explored in a supportive and collaborative way. Pets are also important to tenants, and most landlords permit them with conditions such as insurance and responsible ownership to prevent nuisance.
Successful tenancies rely on fairness, respect, and clear communication, but also on accurate knowledge rather than assumptions. Landlords shared examples where tenants often labelled as ‘high risk’ proved reliable, and some landlords built successful portfolios by supporting tenants who might otherwise fail standard vetting processes. Conversely, landlords admitted that naïve assumptions about tenancy management led to challenges, highlighting the need for professional advice and support. Some tenants reported feeling judged by stereotypes, though many praised positive landlord relationships. Understanding property maintenance – such as accurately identifying structural causes of damp and mould – is critical, as assumptions can lead to costly mistakes and cause harm to tenants’ health and wellbeing.
Tenants often face overlapping challenges related to housing, health, and income, and benefit most from clear, practical, and community-based advice. However, support systems can feel fragmented, and tenants may fear retaliation for asserting their rights. Several tenants expressed frustration with trying to access individualised support tailored to personal circumstances. Difficulties in expressing themselves without becoming upset could leave to further feelings of being stuck and unsupported.
There were also barriers to communication, making it harder to engage with services, especially when support is only available via phone or impersonal online systems.
Landlords also need support through peer learning, practical guidance, and better coordination with local authorities. Legislation alone cannot ensure success without accessible, responsive, and empathetic guidance. The research highlights a need for clear communication about the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants and the various ways that local authorities and other support organisations can help. Both groups value fairness, mutual respect, and effective communication, and programs like Safe Suffolk Renters demonstrate the benefits of a collaborative, relational approach to advice and support.
Safe Suffolk Renters was one of nine national Pathfinder projects funded by the UK government between April 2023 and March 2025.
Our research collected more detailed information on key themes which are illustrated with case studies.
