Reluctance to move during the pandemic is thought to be a key reason for a sharp drop in tenancy disputes between renters and agents.

TDS says just 0.7 per cent or 26,907 of tenancies ended in a tenancy disputes during 2020/2021 – well down on the 2019/20 figures of 0.85 per cent and 34,993.

TDS chief executive Steve Harriott says the drop is “most likely down to the pandemic” with fewer evictions and tenant-led moves.
Government support programmes like furlough and Universal Credit have prevented arrears escalating, meaning traditional issues of dispute – cleaning, damage, redecorating and gardening – are the main causes behind tenant-agent disagreements.

Cleaning tops the league table, being the cause of 49 per cent of disputes in England and Wales, 42 per cent in Northern Ireland and 70 per cent in Scotland during 2020/21.

Harriott says: “Our annual Statistical Briefing reveals interesting industry trends in the private rented sector and highlights the impact of Covid-19 in all regions of the UK.

“Transparent, factual data has never been more important, and this report is just one way we play our part in instilling trust in the private rented sector.”

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