Almost a third of residents in the city privately rent their home, according to newly-released census data.

Of the more than 120,000 households across Brighton and Hove, almost 40,000 (32.7 per cent) rent their property from a landlord, letting agency or through another way.

This compares with 25.1 per cent who own their home outright, 26.3 per cent who own their property through a mortgage or loan, and 9.5 per cent who rent from the council.

The most households rented from a landlord or letting agency in the city was recorded in Brunswick, where more than half (59.2 per cent) of homes are rented in such a way.

A spokeswoman for community union Acorn said that the figures were not surprising and that issues around private renting are "the biggest issue faced by our members and residents we speak to".

She said: “Given the huge proportion of private renters in Brighton, it is particularly concerning that the current administration in the council doesn’t treat renters’ issues seriously.

“They have failed to address issues of criminal landlord behaviour, failed to stamp out illegal and revenge evictions, and we are still waiting for landlord licensing after they promised it in October 2020.

“The council’s record on supporting renters is unacceptable and renters deserve better - this needs to change.”

Martin Osbourne, lead councillor on private sector housing, said: “It is clear that the failure to meet decency standards is greater in the private rented sector than in the public sector.

“From our own experience and research done by campaign groups, we know that renters face a range of problems. This includes disrepair in their property, unaffordability of rents, and lack of security of tenure.

“We’ve been working on a number of ways of driving up standards, including work on a selective licensing scheme. We intend to make a decision on this at our housing committee in March.

“We also intend to review our private rented sector enforcement policy, and will continue to lobby the government to enact reforms that they have committed to and push them to allow us to implement local rent controls.

“Although it is recommended that renters discuss any issues with their landlord, the council can provide assistance.

“We have a successful track record of addressing issues when renters come to us, but unfortunately we are aware that many renters are not fully aware of their rights or that the council can help.

“We can take action to ensure landlords are acting appropriately as well as advising on other courses of action they may want to pursue. This can lead to properties being improved and, in some circumstances, tenants may even be entitled to claim rent repayment orders, meaning they may have rent returned to them.”