Private renters’ satisfaction with their tenancies has increased over the last 10 years, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The government figures show that satisfaction rose from 48% in 2004/05 to 65% in 2014/15, with 82% content with their privately rented accommodation.

There are currently around 9 million private tenants in England.

The proportion of private tenants living in non-decent homes also decreased from 47% to 28% between 2006 and 2014.

The government is due to implement the ‘Housing and Planning Act’ which aims to ensure private tenants receive the right quality of housing and relevant protections.

The act includes:

• A database of landlords and property agents who have been convicted of serious offences
• Banning orders for offenders
• Civil penalty notices of up to £30,000 for certain breaches of housing legislation
• Extending rent repayment orders to cover situations for tenants illegally evicted, breached a banning order, and allowing authorities to retain money for housing purposes
• Conducting a ‘fit and proper’ person test for landlords letting out licensed properties.