Tenant survey reveals the good (and bad) landlords
As the government prepares to regulate the private rented sector more closely with a code of practice and a draft Tenant’s Charter, the UK’s largest online letting agent, Upad.co.uk publishes research into what tenants believe makes a good or bad landlord.
Upad asked 720 tenants what they thought made an ideal landlord and the answers highlight the qualities that tenant cherish most. Highly rated landlords are those who deal with problems quickly, give plenty of notice before entering a property, consult on when repairs will take place and keep in contact throughout the tenancy.
Some 95% of all tenants say landlords being easy to contact is ‘essential’ or ‘very important’ but not all are worried about other ‘minimum standards’ as one might assume. Only 88% believe it essential or very important that the property was property maintained and just 37% expect a landlord to give the correct notice before entering a property, which should be a minimum of 24 hours written notice. And 89% think it essential or very important that a landlord consult with them on the timing of repairs to a property.
Tenants were also asked what one piece of advice they would offer landlords and the answers reveal the less cordial aspects of the landlord/tenant relationship. This includes to ‘fix things when we say they are wrong – not if you think they are a danger’; ‘follow through on your words’; ‘respond to issues seriously – it´s someone´s home, albeit temporarily’ and ‘do jobs properly and not cut corners to save money’.
Other landlord behaviour that clearly annoys tenants includes those who moan about the cost of repairs, accidental landlords who are too precious about their former homes, landlords who charge excessive admin fees and those who rely too much on ‘cheap furniture from IKEA’. The most common comment on a more philosophical note is that tenants dislike being treated like an ‘income stream’ and not a ‘real person’.
James Davis, Founder of Upad.co.uk and a landlord of 15 years’ experience commented: “The results of the survey show that to be successful as a landlord the same rules apply as for any business: invest time listening to your customers’ needs and you’ll earn their loyalty and respect.”
Notes for Editors
Upad has taken the traditional high street lettings agent model and deconstructed it. Like the dating and travel categories before it, Upad empowers the customer with all the tools and support they need to self-manage their properties.
Upad.co.uk offers immediate cost savings over using a traditional agent and offers landlords the largest online property distribution platform, ensuring extensive exposure for their properties – thereby maximising tenant leads. Tenants find a great choice of properties from professional landlords, and are treated openly and fairly throughout.
In September 2013, Upad reached its 6,000th transacted landlord and continues to grow exponentially every quarter as it drives true change in the lettings market.