An Inescapable Crisis: Fuel Poverty and the Private Rented Sector

Households in the Private Rented Sector (PRS)  have been especially impacted by the energy crisis. Some PRS tenants, especially those on low incomes and benefits, have faced homelessness as a result of escalating energy and housing costs, whilst others, higher up the income scale and in full time employment, have shown ‘symptoms’ of fuel poverty for the first time. This can be attributed to a combination of poor housing conditions, high energy prices and rents, and limited regulation and enforcement within the sector.

Living in the PRS during the crisis has had significant social, financial, and psychological impacts, with tenants giving up tenancies, drastically reducing energy use, and making long-term decisions that affect family and relationships.

This brief emphasises the need for urgent policy action to improve PRS energy efficiency and regulation, a move that would benefit public health, social inclusion, and contribute to Net Zero goals.