Tenants rate landlords positively despite public criticism

Private tenants describe their landlords positively despite the criticism they face in public debate, according to research from Yorkshire Building Society.

Just 5% of those renting privately described their landlord as exploitative.

The lender surveyed 4,000 adults for its policy paper, No Way Home? Restoring Britain’s Housing Ladder.

Among private tenants, 40% described their landlord as reasonable and the same proportion said theirs was approachable.

Tenants’ views of landlords

The building society’s managing director of homes, Tom Simpson, said: “Landlords are often portrayed negatively in public debate, yet our findings show a very different picture among those with direct experience of renting, demonstrating a clear disconnect between perception and reality.

“The vast majority of landlords provide homes that tenants rely on every day, and most are viewed positively by the people living in their properties.”

He added: “The conversation around housing should be balanced and evidence-based.

“Our research suggests that while perceptions of landlords can often be shaped by wider narratives, the lived experience of many renters is much more positive.”

Private landlords offer choice

Asked to describe landlords in their own words, respondents most used terms including ‘good’, ‘professional’, ‘friendly’ and ‘understanding’.

Among private tenants, 36% described their landlord as fair and 29% as responsive.

Negative assessments included being negligent, selected by 9%, unresponsive by 8% and unreasonable by 7%.

Across those surveyed, 60% agreed that private landlords are vital because they offer choice.

Support for responsible landlords

Meanwhile, 72% of respondents agreed that renting provides flexibility for people who do not wish to buy a home.

The society, which owns Accord Mortgages, also calls for more support for responsible landlords to encourage them to maintain and expand the supply of good-quality homes to rent.

The findings were released to mark the 30th anniversary of the first buy to let mortgage.

Around one in five households in England live in privately rented accommodation.