Happiest tenants rent from individual landlords

Renters letting their homes directly from landlords are the happiest with the service they receive, according to new research out today.

In total 81% of tenants that rent from an individual say they are satisfied with the service they receive, compared to 73% of tenants who rent from build-to-rent companies and 68% renting through a letting agent.

The research, conducted by Pegasus Insights was based on a sample of more than 3,000 private renters across the UK and showed 70% of tenants renting from an individual landlord describe recent rental experiences as ‘positive’, compared with just 60% of those renting through a letting agent.

Overall, just 7% of tenants surveyed reported a negative experience.

The new data highlights the vital role private landlords play in the provision of vital homes to let across the country, reinforcing the importance of their place in the housing mix.

These landlords, often renting out a small number of properties, are better placed to build personal, responsive relationships with their tenants – a key factor in tenant satisfaction and the basis of a healthy rental market.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, said: “These findings underline what we have long known.

“Smaller, individual landlords are an essential part of the rental market and consistently deliver some of the best outcomes for tenants.

“As ministers continue to reform the private rented sector, it’s vital they recognise the positive role of responsible landlords, as well as the importance of trust-based relationships between tenants and landlords.

“Policy decisions, and the rhetoric around the sector, must be informed by these facts.”