Most renters report positive landlord relationships ahead of RRA

Most renters report positive or neutral relationships with their landlord ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act taking effect this week.

According to Hiscox, just 5% of tenants describe their experience as negative.

Nearly a quarter say their relationship is friendly, with another 24% calling it professional.

Around 30% report neutral feelings, according to the survey.

Create positive renting experience

The firm’s landlord insurance product lead, Michael Dear, said: “These findings highlight the issues driving conversation amongst tenants when it comes to their landlords: privacy, responsiveness and open communication.

“It’s clear that small, thoughtful actions like respecting boundaries, addressing repairs promptly, and being transparent about rent can have a huge impact on tenant satisfaction.”

He added: “Landlords who prioritise these behaviours not only create a more positive renting experience but also build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their tenants.

“Tenants want to feel secure, listened to, and treated fairly.

“With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, those everyday behaviours matter even more.”

What tenants want

The insurer analysed more than 1,000 tenant–landlord discussions on Reddit, using upvotes to gauge which issues attract the most engagement.

The analysis reflects topics most frequently raised online rather than a full ranking of tenant priorities.

Respecting tenant privacy accounted for 59% of total upvotes.

Repair responsiveness followed at 16%, with communication at 13% and rent transparency at 10%.

Safe and habitable conditions were mentioned in 2% of cases.

Complaints about repairs and upkeep drew the highest level of attention, accounting for 49% of upvotes.

Legal compliance issues made up 20% of complaints, and unfair rent increases or hidden charges followed at 14%.

Communication problems are at 10%, while intrusive inspections and deposit disputes accounted for 6% and 2%.