Renters prefer landlords over letting agents – Poll

The UK’s renters are much happier renting directly from landlords than from a letting agent or BTR companies, a survey reveals.

The poll questioned more than 3,000 private tenants across the country and found 70% of those renting from individual landlords rated their experience as positive.

Only 60% of tenants using letting agents felt the same.

Just 7% of all respondents reported negative experiences.

PRS needs responsible landlords

The chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, Ben Beadle, 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.”

He added: “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.”

Most tenants are happy

The study from Pegasus Insight also showed that 81% of tenants renting from individual landlords were content with the service provided.

In contrast, 73% of tenants renting from build-to-rent companies and 68% of those dealing with letting agents expressed satisfaction.

These results suggest that individual landlords, often managing just a few properties, are building stronger, more responsive relationships with tenants to boost satisfaction levels.

The findings highlight the value of individual landlords in the UK’s private rented sector and their ability to offer a personal and attentive service appears to create a more positive renting experience, supporting a healthier housing market.