Tenants praise landlords but call for better communication – survey

A tenant survey is overturning gloomy clichés about landlords to reveal a largely upbeat relationship with 55% of renters commending their landlords for delivering decent homes.

The survey by Leaders Romans Group (LRG) shows that just 12% of tenants have an unfavourable opinion about their landlord.

The figures in the January 2025 Lettings Report chimes with insights from The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), which discovered that 65% of tenants gave independent landlords a thumbs-up.

Landlords deliver quality homes

The firm’s national lettings managing director, Allison Thompson, said: “Landlords play an essential role in the rental market, and our findings show that most are committed to providing quality housing and building positive relationships with their tenants.

“While there’s plenty to celebrate in these results, there’s also a clear message about the importance of open communication and responsiveness to tenant needs.”

She added: “It’s encouraging to see that tenants value their landlords’ efforts, but there’s always room to strengthen this relationship further.

“By focusing on proactive engagement, landlords can address tenant concerns while continuing to deliver the high service standards the majority are already achieving.”

Diligent landlords

The survey also paints a picture of diligence among landlords, with 75% of tenants noting that maintenance requests tend to be resolved within seven days.

Impressively, 41% see action taken in under 48 hours, underlining a dedication to safe, comfortable rented homes.

However, tenants have flagged up areas that are ripe for enhancement.

Half of those polled pinpointed sharper communication and swifter repairs as the top ways to boost ties with landlords.

Another 34% suggested that empathy for each other’s challenges could pave the way for a fairer conversation between the two sides.

Clearer tenant rights

Clarity remains a sticking point, with 39% of respondents wanting clearer tenant rights, while 23% seek openness about what landlords are accountable for.

Appetite for extra rules, however, is lukewarm and only 17% of renters think tighter regulations would help – and just 16% back an independent ombudsman.

Also, 13% reckon the status quo works just fine currently.

Landlords get a raw deal

Despite the rosy statistics, 60% of tenants feel landlords get a raw deal in public perception – which is a view echoed by landlords themselves.

This comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill stirs debate in the private rented sector.

While the legislation aims to protect tenants, renters say the Bill unintentionally fuels harsh stereotypes, overshadowing the bulk of landlords who maintain quality homes and support tenants.

In fact, 56% of landlords back tougher action against rogue landlords which underlines their push for professionalism.

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