Shocking levels of exploitation have been exposed in the UK’s rental market, with tenants asked by landlords for sexual favours and unpaid work in exchange for accommodation, according to a major new study commissioned by housing law specialists Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

Manjinder Kaur Atwal, the firm’s Director of Housing and author of the Rogue Landlord Report 2025, says: “This research exposes the grim reality of Britain’s broken rental system. Too many tenants are suffering in silence – harassed, exploited, and even asked for sexual favours or unpaid work simply to keep a roof over their heads.”

The nationwide survey of 1,000 renters reveals just how deep the problems run in the rental market and comes just weeks before the Renters’ Rights Bill returns to Parliament.

It found that one in 17 tenants said their landlord requested sexual favours, while one in 11 were asked to carry out unpaid work in lieu of rent.

Alarming conditions

Its findings on the conditions of rental property are almost as alarming, with 30% of respondents living with mould or damp, and one in seven battling pests such as rodents or insects.

And 41% of renters are having to pay for repairs themselves after landlords or agents failed to act.

The report also reveals the mounting financial pressure on tenants, with 62% handed rent increases in the past 12 months and 23% forced to move because they could no longer afford their home. Atwal says this is taking a severe emotional toll, with 30% reporting stress and anxiety that is linked directly to their housing situation.

These findings are extremely concerning and some of the very serious activity references are illegal and should be reported to the police.”

She concludes that the power imbalance between landlords and tenants is also resulting in unstable home environments – 18% of tenants have been threatened with eviction in the past year, while many remain reluctant to complain for fear of retaliation through rent hikes or harassment.

A Government spokesperson says: “These findings are extremely concerning and some of the very serious activity references are illegal and should be reported to the police.

“Our Renters’ Rights Bill will protect renters by banning Section 21 no-fault evictions and giving councils stronger powers to crack down on landlords who break the rules, including criminal prosecution.”