Landlords and Tenants: A Balanced Relationship in the Private Rental Sector (PRS)
New findings from Leaders Romans Group’s (LRG) latest survey reveal a balanced picture of landlord-tenant relations in the UK. Contrary to negative stereotypes often portrayed, the data shows that tenants view their landlords positively while highlighting areas for improvement in communication and responsiveness.
The survey found that 55% of tenants believe their landlord provides quality housing, and only 12% view their landlord negatively. This aligns with a study by The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), which indicated that 65% of tenants rated their independent landlords highly, compared to 46% for corporate landlords. One landlord commented, “I pride myself on providing good-quality housing and building strong relationships with my tenants”. A tenant commented, “Our landlord is always responsive and addresses issues quickly, which makes us feel valued.” Another said, “It’s great to have a landlord who genuinely cares about the tenants’ living conditions.”
Tenants also highlighted key areas for improvement in landlord-tenant relationships. Half of those surveyed felt that better communication and faster responses to maintenance issues would have the biggest impact on improving relations. A further 34% believed there needed to be greater understanding of the pressures faced by both tenants and landlords, suggesting that a more balanced dialogue could help bridge the gap between the two groups.
Clarity around rights and responsibilities was another priority, with 39% of tenants calling for clearer tenant rights, while 23% also wanted greater transparency around landlord responsibilities. However, there was little appetite for additional regulation, with only 17% believing it would improve relationships, and just 16% feeling that an independent ombudsman would help. Notably, 13% of tenants felt no changes were needed, indicating that many are satisfied with their current rental experience. One tenant commented, “My landlord is responsive, but clear communication about timelines would make a big difference.” This sentiment reflects the wider call for increased transparency and proactive engagement to strengthen trust and cooperation between landlords and tenants.
Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director at LRG, 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.”
“Findings from our Q2 report in 2024 further highlight the positive role of professional lettings agents, with 63% of tenants recognising that residential properties are better managed with their involvement. This demonstrates the crucial role that agents play in maintaining high standards, ensuring clear communication, and supporting both landlords and tenants in fostering positive rental experiences.”
Despite these positive insights, 60% of tenants believe landlords are unfairly represented, a sentiment that landlords themselves share. This perception is particularly relevant in the context of the Renters’ Reform Bill, which continues to shape discussions around the private rental sector. While reforms are intended to protect tenants, they also risk reinforcing negative stereotypes about landlords, rather than recognising the majority who provide quality housing and maintain positive relationships with tenants.
In response, 56% of landlords support stronger enforcement against rogue landlords, emphasising their commitment to professional standards and their desire to differentiate themselves from the small minority who fail to meet expectations. LRG’s findings point to a nuanced reality—while most tenants appreciate their landlords’ efforts, opportunities remain to enhance relations by addressing specific concerns. Improved responsiveness, better communication, and a more balanced public narrative will be key to strengthening trust and fostering long-term stability in the sector.
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