The role of landlords in shaping private renters’ uneven experiences of home: towards a relational approach

Abstract

Informed by the sociological analysis of Rex and Moore, our qualitative interviews with private renters across the UK highlight the myriad of ways in which landlord behaviour impacts the wellbeing of their tenants and their ability to make their rented house a home. Whilst this is a contractual relationship governed by the market, it is also one characterised by informal codes, judgements, and discretion. We argue this micro-level approach, centred on social relations, offers insights for our understanding of both the dynamics of private renting and tenants’ uneven experiences of the sector.