Some radical reform ideas for the private rental sector have been floated by the Social Market Foundation in a recent report, including a fixed minimum contract of 24 months and also allowing tenants to have greater control of their homes overall.

It majors on four specific improvements:

1. Increasing the stability of tenancy agreements – A large majority of renters support a fixed minimum contract length: 69 per cent of those questioned by the report authors would be in favour of setting this at 24 months.

2. Giving renters more control over their homes – making it easier to keep pets or make reasonable alterations, such as to décor or energy efficiency.

3. Increase the accountability of landlords – Through a ‘Good Home, Good Landlord’ kitemark scheme, developed in consultation with renters to recognise landlords that offer good, and not just decent, accommodation.

4. Improve the standards of private rented properties – Offer tax incentives for landlords to invest in improvements that align with Good Home Good Landlord kitemark.

The SMF survey involved 1,300 UK adults who currently live in rented accommodation. Surveys were distributed by polling organisation Opinium.