The proportion of private rented households with someone aged 65 or over living in them has increased by almost 45% over the last decade, according to new analysis of Government data.   

The figures come as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that not enough is being done to help landlords access financial support to adapt properties to meet the needs of older people or disabled tenants. 

A quarter (over 1m) of all private rented households in England have someone living in them with a long-term illness or disability. Despite this, official data shows that 25% of all private rented households which require adaptations say their accommodation is not suitable to meet their needs. This trend has been driven by a substantial increase in the number of older private renters over the course of the past decade. 

Tenants and landlords are eligible for financial support, including through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which funds necessary adaptations of properties. However, a survey of landlords has found that 79% did not know that DFGs existed. Once they were made aware of the Grant, 68% said they would be more willing to make adaptations where required.