More communication and speedier repairs would improve the relationship between tenants and landlords rather than more regulation, a new industry survey has revealed.
LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that 85% of tenants claim the current legal process adequately protects their rights, while 62% admit they don’t know whether the Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns.
Only 17% of tenants want more rules, while 50% reckon better communication and a faster response to maintenance issues would improve their relationship. Just 16% felt a new ombudsman would make a meaningful difference.
Encouragingly, 69% of tenants report that their landlord is proactive and transparent about their legal responsibilities, with 75% finding that maintenance issues are addressed within a week. Only 12% of tenants view their landlord negatively.
LRG says its findings - with a strong focus on affordability, practicality, and sustainability, - show a clear shift in tenant preferences as economic and environmental concerns grow.
Affordability is the top priority for tenants at 88%, followed by parking at 53%, proximity to work and school at 39% and energy performance at 37%.
Its survey reveals that most landlords haven’t seen any significant changes in tenant preferences, although one notable trend is the rise in requests for pet-friendly properties, reported by 20% of landlords.
However, tenants’ property choices have evolved during the past five years. A significant 33% have stayed in the same property, while 22% are new to renting, highlighting a steady flow of first timers entering the market.
Allison Thompson, of LRG, said its findings show just how engaged landlords are when it comes to understanding their responsibilities - but also highlight a clear need for more clarity from the Government.
She added: “There is an appetite for reform, but the sector is asking fair and essential questions about how these changes will work in practice.”
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