Renters report positive experiences with their landlords

The majority of private renters have had a positive experience in the private rented sector, according to a government survey.

The private rented sector tenants research report reveals satisfaction with landlords was higher (70%) than with property management agencies (62%).

The survey was conducted in March 2024, with 1,517 renters participating in an online survey.

The majority of renters agreed they feel safe and secure (77%)

According to the survey, 57% of renters reported positive experiences in the rental sector, with those aged 55–75 most likely to be satisfied, while just 18% reported negative experiences.

The findings also reveal 61% of renters felt satisfied the condition of the property was in good condition with just over half (55%) agreed that the landlord checks the property condition.

The majority of renters agreed they feel safe and secure (77%) and can enjoy the property without disturbance from their landlord or management agency (75%).

Landlords respond to concerns

The survey also reveals that renters are more likely to go directly to their landlord for both paying rent (68%) and raising maintenance issues (67%) than to a property management agency (32% for rent / 33% for maintenance).

While overall agreement about feeling comfortable raising issues was similar whether the issue was raised to a landlord or an agent, strong agreement was lower for agents (33% landlord / 26% agent).

More than three-quarters of renters (77%) reported having an issue with their current property, the most commonly cited being damp or mould (44%). Younger renters (18–34) were more likely than older renters (55–75) to experience issues (85% vs 56%), particularly with damp or mould.

However, 65% of renters said their landlord responded promptly to maintenance issues, and 66% said their landlord listened to their concerns.

In terms of responsibility, the majority of renters agreed that their landlord or agent is responsible for repairs and maintenance (82% and 81%, respectively), while external issues such as anti-social behaviour were seen as the responsibility of the landlord or agent by fewer renters (42%).

Disabled renters had a more challenging experience in the PRS

Elsewhere, the survey reveals that disabled renters generally had a more challenging experience in the private rented sector (25%) compared to non-disabled tenants (16%), particularly regarding whether their current property meets their needs (28%). However, seven in 10 disabled renters (70%) reported feeling safe and secure in their property.

Half of financially vulnerable renters (50%) reported struggling to find a property within their budget in their area and were less confident that they could find one that meets their needs (34%).

The findings also show that, despite having a more negative overall experience, financially vulnerable renters with children were more engaged with the rental market than the broader financially vulnerable group and displayed greater awareness of their rights as renters.

They reported higher satisfaction with the resolution of maintenance and repair issues from their landlord or property agent (65% financially vulnerable with children vs 57% financially vulnerable) and were more likely to go directly to their landlord or agency for tenancy information (63% vs 56%).