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When asked about their experience with their current dwelling over the past year, two thirds of renters (67 per cent) say it has been negative, while 30 per cent say it has been positive and three per cent are undecided. By a two-to-one margin, the people who are renting say they are not thrilled with their current situation.

There are, as is always the case in properly conducted research, opportunities to see what is working well. Not every renter is upset, and there are varied reasons for the contentment expressed by almost a third of them.

Most renters who have a positive view of their present housing arrangements say they have a good relationship with landlords and neighbours (36 per cent) and are satisfied with amenities, storage and location (32 per cent). Significantly fewer mention living in a well managed building or suite (12 per cent) and having enough space for their needs (10 per cent). However, only seven per cent say that the cost of their monthly rent is the main reason for their positive assessment.

The statistics point to specific issues that are helping renters feel better about their decision. Developing good rapport with landlords and neighbours is essential, as well as being close to school or work, having a chance to do the laundry without bothering anybody or simply having enough room for possessions. Still, fewer than one-in-10 of these happy renters actually articulate that they are getting good value for the money they spend on their dwelling.