Some 95% of all tenants say landlords being easy to contact is essential or very important but not all are as worried about other standards as might be assumed, according to a survey by Upad, the national self service lettings agency.
It found that 88% believe it essential or very important that the property was property maintained and but just 37% expect a landlord to give the correct notice before entering a property, which should be a minimum of 24 hours written notice.
Some 89% think it essential or very important that a landlord consult with them on the timing of repairs to a property. Highly rated landlords are those who deal with problems quickly, consult on repairs and keep in touch throughout a tenancy.
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’.
Another piece of advice was to keep promises, respond to issues seriously and to realise that the properly is another person’s home. Tenants also suggested landlords should make sure repair jobs are done properly and not aim to 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.
‘The results of the survey show that to be successful as a landlord the same rules apply as for any business which means investing time listening to your customers' needs and you'll earn their loyalty and respect,’ said James Davis, founder of Upad.
