Four in 10 private renters describe landlords as reasonable, YBS finds
Tom Simpson, managing director of homes at YBS, said: “Landlords are often portrayed negatively in public debate, yet our findings show a very different picture."
Four in 10 private renters would describe their landlord as reasonable, according to research from Yorkshire Building Society (YBS).
The findings, published today on the 30th anniversary of the launch of the first buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage, were based on a survey of 4,000 UK adults and feature in YBS’s ‘No Way Home? Restoring Britain’s Housing Ladder’ policy paper.
Among private renters surveyed, 40% described their landlord as reasonable and the same proportion said they were approachable.
A further 36% described their landlord as fair and 29% as responsive.
By comparison, 9% described their landlord as negligent, 8% as unresponsive, 7% as unreasonable and 5% as exploitative.
The research also found that 60% of respondents agreed private landlords were vital because they provide housing choice.
Almost three-quarters (72%) agreed that renting provides flexibility for people who do not wish to buy a home.
When respondents were asked to describe landlords in their own words, common terms included ‘good’, ‘professional’, ‘friendly’ and ‘understanding’.
Tom Simpson, managing director of homes at Yorkshire Building Society, 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.
“While standards must always be maintained and poor practices challenged, it’s important that their contribution is recognised.
“That’s why our ‘No Way Home?’ report calls for support for responsible landlords to encourage them to provide and expand the supply of good-quality rental homes.
“At a time when demand for rental accommodation continues to outstrip supply, we believe that landlords play a crucial role in providing housing choice and flexibility for millions of people.”
Separate research conducted by Accord Mortgages among mortgage brokers earlier this year found that 21% believed landlords should be prioritised for Government support, second only to first-time buyers.
The research also found that 56% of brokers said their landlord clients were actively reducing the size of their portfolios, while 53% reported landlords leaving the private rented sector altogether.
Around one in five households in England live in privately rented accommodation.
Simpson 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.
“As policymakers consider the future of the private rental sector, it’s vital to recognise the role responsible landlords play in helping to meet the UK’s housing need.”
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