Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, the majority of tenants view their landlords positively although there is room for improvement in communication and responsiveness, a Leaders Romans Group (LRG) survey has found.

LRG’s National Lettings Managing Director Allison Thompson (pictured) says the survey found that 55% of tenants believe their landlord provides ‘quality housing’ and only 12% view their landlord negatively.

75% also reported that maintenance requests are addressed within a week, with 41% receiving responses in as little as 48 hours.

Tenants, however, highlight some key areas for improvement in their landlord relationships, with half of those surveyed feeling that better communication and faster responses to maintenance issues would have the biggest impacts.

Unfairly represented

A further 34% believed there needed to be greater understanding of the pressures faced by both tenants and landlords and 60% say landlords have been unfairly represented in the media.

Clarity around rights and responsibilities is another priority, with 39% of tenants calling for clearer tenant rights, while 23% also want greater transparency around landlord responsibilities.

There was little appetite, though, for additional regulation, with only 17% believing it would improve relationships, and just 16% feeling that an independent ombudsman would help.

And a notable 13% of tenants felt no changes were needed at all.

It’s encouraging to see that tenants value their landlords’ efforts.”

Thompson commented, “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.

“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.”