Beyond these walls: how a rental product is supporting mental health needs

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03rd Oct 24

As modern life evolves, so do our living environments. In a world that increasingly acknowledges the importance of mental health, there is one area that we could do better in.

The private rental market can negatively impact mental health due to its instability and unpredictability. Renters often face short-term leases, frequent rent increases, and the possibility of eviction, which creates a sense of insecurity and stress. Limited control over living conditions, such as repairs or modifications, can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration and the lack of a long-term, secure home can make it difficult for renters to feel settled.

For parents, this stress is even more pronounced, as the instability in housing can disrupt children's schooling, social life, and emotional well-being. After a negative experience with a private landlord in Manchester, Aleksandra was left feeling tired and frustrated until her search for a new home led her to Simple Life, where she found a rental house for her family in St Helens, Merseyside.

“It’s secure, clean and most importantly, I feel safe here,” says Aleksandra. “As a mother and a tenant, it is important to have a home where you feel secure, which gives me peace of mind. Our sense of community living here is also much wider than before and I even pay less in bills because the house is so economical.”

Simple Life is one of the many developers in the Build to Rent sector, offering purpose built accommodation specifically for the way individuals live today. This includes long-term and flexible leases that offer a sense of control and the ability to plan for the future.

For young people, the transient nature of renting can cause feelings of isolation but Build to Rent homes go beyond traditional rentals by incorporating community-building spaces into their design. These areas are instrumental in promoting well-being, particularly for individuals who may feel lonely while working from home. With coworking hubs, residents can maintain productivity while staying socially engaged, leading to increased productivity and creating a stronger sense of community.

During a survey with OnePoll of 2,000 UK adults living in the rental sector, Build to Rent developer Apo discovered some interesting facts including more than one in three respondents(35%) had a bad experience with their current or previous landlords. They identified the top qualities of a good landlord as maintaining and caring for their property (47%), treating tenants with respect and trust (40%) and handling property issues professionally and swiftly (35%). “As a rental management company, we listen to our tenants and work hard to deliver the best services and value for them, supporting them throughout their journey with us,” explains Rachel Hanniquet-Brooking, Managing Director of Apo. “By doing so, we build stronger relationships and create a more positive rental experience for everyone involved.”

The sense of community that Apo has created was especially appealing to Nathan who chose to rent out his own three-bedroom house in the countryside in favour of a one-bedroom apartment with Apo Liverpool. He explains: “I initially had slight concerns about moving from a large house to a one-bedroom apartment, fearing it might be restrictive. However, this has not been the case at all thanks to the various communal spaces which are included in my rent. I often work remotely, and being able to use one of the onsite workspaces is great – I feel like I’m commuting even though I’m only going downstairs a couple of floors. There are also other tech people living here, so it’s a good place to network and share ideas.

“I also enjoy the sense of community at Apo Liverpool and have gotten to know members of the team very well. They’re great and the little details, like asking about your holiday when you get back, show they really pay attention to residents. They also run a number of events throughout the year, such as for Christmas, Halloween and pancake day. In my old home, these events would have passed me by, but here I get to celebrate. This makes it a really special place to live.”

For many in the private rental sector, one of the most upsetting rules is that very few landlords allow pets. Research has shown that living with a pet greatly improves mental health by providing companionship, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of routine. Pets offer unconditional love and emotional support, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which is why Build to Rent operator Apo found that almost half (48%) of customers live with a pet, with dogs being the most popular at 60% followed by cats at 51%.

In fact, many Build to Rent developments don’t just allow pets, they welcome them with open arms with communities offering tailored amenities such as dedicated dog-walking areas, pet grooming stations, and even pet-friendly social events. Recognising the connections our furry friends bring is hugely important in terms of residents’ wellbeing.