Private housing tenants in Newtown urged to have their say

Private housing tenants in Newtown are being urged to share their experiences of renting as Powys County Council looks to strengthen the voice of those living in the private rented sector.

The council has launched a county-wide survey to better understand what life is like for private tenants and how well the sector works for them day to day. For towns like Newtown, where demand for rental homes remains high and availability can be limited, the feedback could help shape future housing policy.

Across Powys, almost 23,000 people live in private rented accommodation, covering around 10,760 homes. In Newtown, the county’s largest town, the private rental market plays a key role in housing young workers, families and people moving into the area for employment. However, with tenants renting from a wide range of mostly small landlords, concerns about affordability, standards and communication can often be raised individually rather than collectively.

The survey asks tenants about the suitability and condition of their homes, communication with landlords or letting agents, affordability, and any barriers that make it difficult to find or move to suitable accommodation. Former tenants and others with experience of the private rented sector are also encouraged to take part.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “We want to understand how well the private rented sector is working for tenants in Powys. Your voice really matters. By sharing your experiences, you will help us build a clearer picture of the issues people face day to day – not just at moments of crisis.”

The proposal to create a county wide Private Tenants Forum forms part of the council’s Corporate and Strategic Equality Plan 2023–2027. The forum would give tenants, including those in Newtown, a more structured way to influence the council’s wider housing strategy and raise issues that matter most to them.

Cllr Dorrance added: “This is a chance for tenants to help design a model that works for them. Whether you take part in the forum or simply fill in the survey, your views will guide how we take this forward.”

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open to current private tenants, people who have rented privately in the past and others with experience of the sector. Contact details are only requested from those who may wish to be involved in shaping the proposed forum.

Tenants can take part by visiting https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/private-tenant-survey. The closing date is 5 April 2026.

For further information, residents can contact the council’s Housing Service by emailing housing@powys.gov.uk or calling 01597 827 464.