More tenants prefer to deal with a landlord directly rather than being managed by a letting agent, new research from the NRLA reveals.

The findings, based on a sample of over 3,000 private renters across the UK, shows that 70% of tenants who rent from an individual landlord describe their recent rental experience as ‘positive’. This compares with just 60% of those renting through a letting agent.

Personal relationships

The research found that 81% of tenants who have a landlord relationship are satisfied with the service they receive. This compares to 68% of those renting through a letting agent, and 73% of tenants who deal with a build-to-rent company.

The data highlights the beneficial role played by individual landlords, reinforcing the importance of their place in the housing mix, the NRLA says.

These landlords, often renting a small number of properties, the NRLA adds, are better able to build personal, responsive relationships with their tenants – a key factor in tenant satisfaction.

Smaller, individual landlords are an essential part of the rental market.”

Ben Beadle, CEO at the NRLA (main picture), says: “These findings underline what we have long known. Smaller, individual landlords are an essential part of the rental market and consistently deliver some of the best outcomes for tenants.

“As ministers continue to reform the private rented sector, it’s vital they recognise the positive role of responsible landlords, as well as the importance of trust-based relationships between tenants and landlords,” he says.

“Policy decisions, and the rhetoric around the sector, must be informed by these facts.”

More on landlords