Good news for landlords: 79% of tenants like them

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

The majority of tenants have positive relations with their landlords, according to the National Landlord Association's (NLA) first Quarterly Tenant Index.

Of the 2,088 tenants surveyed by the NLA during April and May 2012, 79% said they were satisfied with their landlords. 76% said that they had met their current landlord and 63% reported that their rents had remained that same as the year before.

The average UK rental price was found to be £745.97 per month.

The length of time tenants remain in the same rental property is also considered a gauge of satisfaction.

The survey found that 46% of tenants have lived in their current rental home for four or more years and a further 24% have lived in their current accommodation between two and four years.

David Salusbury, Chairman of the National Landlords Association says: “Tenants have high expectations of their rental experience and so I’m delighted to report that the majority are satisfied with their landlords. There are many landlords who take great professional strides to ensure they are doing the best by their tenants – it’s good to see their efforts come to fruition.

“The research shows that most (63%) landlords have not increased their rents in the last 12 months. With the cost of living increasing for everyone in the UK, it’s encouraging that many landlords are not seeking to impose an additional financial burden onto their tenants.

“Tenants who are looking for rental properties should ask if the prospective landlord is a member of a professional organisation like the NLA. Professionally accredited landlords are aware of their obligations and understand the rules and regulations governing the letting of their property”.

The research also discovered that 42% of tenants chose their letting based on location.