Slow landlord responses to repairs fuel tenant anxiety – survey

Long waits for landlords to carry out repairs are piling pressure on renters, with many saying the delays are more stressful than the fault itself.

Adiuvo, a property management support platform, surveyed 1,013 tenants and found that 62% had dealt with a maintenance problem in their home.

While many renters praised quick action, a significant minority said they were left waiting.

Almost half of respondents described their landlord or agent as very efficient when something goes wrong, and more than a quarter said they were fairly efficient.

Even so, 28% still reported slow responses.

Quick responses matter

The organisation’s founder and chief executive, Colin Stokes, said: “A fast response to maintenance issues, regardless of the time of day, makes an enormous difference to a tenant’s wellbeing.

“This, in turn, has a huge positive impact on the overall stability of a tenancy.

“While landlords may not have a formal obligation to care for mental health, the reality is that tenants who feel supported are far more likely to stay put.”

He added: “Quicker reactions don’t just resolve problems before they escalate; they also reduce turnover, void periods and the costs associated with finding new occupants.”

Anxiety is triggered

The firm says that the consequences go beyond inconvenience with nearly 60% of tenants saying their stress or anxiety had increased because of unresolved issues.

Heating failures, boiler breakdowns and water problems caused the greatest concern, followed by plumbing faults, leaks and damp or mould.

What troubles renters most is having to chase repeatedly for updates with a third saying this triggered their anxiety.

The survey points to communication, or the lack of it, as a key factor driving frustration.

Property118 commercial reality check

Operational discipline is not a luxury. It is a profit safeguard. Delays on repairs erode tenant confidence, inflate void risk and distract from strategic work. Fast action and clean communication anchor stability and protect margin.

What serious landlords should do next

Systemise repair triage: Create a clear process for reporting, categorising and prioritising faults. A predictable workflow lowers stress for all parties and stops minor defects turning into operational and financial leaks.

Document and audit readiness: Keep digital records of warranties, service histories and contractor agreements. Quick access to this data accelerates resolutions and supports regulatory compliance.

Contractor performance management: Track response times, completion rates and costs. Replace weak links early. Professional landlords treat trade partners as critical infrastructure, not optional extras.

Proactive maintenance cycle planning: Model annual maintenance budgets, seasonality and asset life cycles. Planned works are always cheaper than reactive emergencies. Set quarterly checkpoints to ensure the numbers match reality.

Communication discipline: Set expectations upfront. Provide timeframes and updates without being chased. Structured communication reduces anxiety and strengthens long-term tenancy stability.