Aldermore’s latest Buy to Let Index has found that most tenants report a positive relationship with their landlord, challenging commonly negative perceptions of the private rental sector. The survey of 2,000 tenants and 500 landlords found that 66% of private renters said their relationship with their landlord was positive, with 77% reporting good lines of communication.
Only 13% of tenants described their relationship with their landlord as negative, while the remainder said it was neither positive nor negative.
Nearly two thirds (63%) of tenants said their landlord was easy to contact when issues arose. Most landlords (89%) said they prioritised the proper upkeep of their portfolios, including essential repairs and regular maintenance checks. More than a third (35%) of tenants who had a positive experience reported that their landlord had proactively offered support without being asked.
The research also found that 18% of tenants had received thoughtful touches made to the property, while 35% said they had been allowed to make cosmetic changes. A third (34%) said they had been permitted to keep pets.
Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore, said: “Being a good landlord isn’t just about collecting rent. It’s about creating a safe and well-maintained property, coupled with open communication that creates a professional and respectful relationship with a tenant.
“Despite some negative reports of the tenant/landlord relationship, our data shows that the majority have positive experiences, with many landlords making a proactive effort to improve the living situation of renters.”
