Introduction
Safe Suffolk Renters was one of nine national Pathfinder projects funded by the government between April 2023 and March 2025. Led by Suffolk’s district and borough councils, the project aimed to raise standards in the private rented sector through a collaborative and empowering approach. It focused on education, encouragement and relationship-building, with enforcement action taken where necessary. The University of Suffolk was commissioned to conduct qualitative research to understand the lived experiences of tenants and landlords and the impact of private renting on health and wellbeing.

Background
Housing is widely recognised as a key determinant of health, with poor conditions linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and mental distress. Nationally, 2.6 million homes are classed as poor quality, costing the NHS around £1.4 billion every year. Suffolk’s housing stock is older than the national average, and 18.3% of properties are privately rented. Hazards such as severe disrepair and excess cold are more common in Suffolk than elsewhere in the UK. An ageing population and growing demand for accessible homes add further complexity to Suffolk’s housing landscape.
Health and wellbeing can suffer when housing feels insecure, rent is unaffordable or people lack control over where they live. Although rents in Suffolk remain below the England average, they have recently risen at a faster rate. The research coincided with the passage of the Renters Rights Act 2025, which particularly attracted attention for abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices.

The Research
Between August 2024 and April 2025, 107 participants shared their stories of being a Suffolk tenant or a landlord, and sometimes both. They took part in interviews and focus groups, which captured a wide range of experiences. Participants also completed wellbeing questionnaires based on the ONS National Wellbeing Dashboard, providing insight into life satisfaction, happiness, and anxiety.

Key Findings
The research reveals a wide range of experiences in a diverse and complex sector for both tenants and landlords.