How to Improve Landlord Services With These Insights
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
The private rented sector often gets painted as a last resort. Yet new research suggests a shift in how tenants feel about renting. A survey by RentGuarantor found that 41% of tenants feel more positive about renting than they used to. And this can help you improve landlord services to meet the needs and wishes of your tenants.
Among 18 to 29 year olds, more than half said they feel more positive. It also found that 88% think renting fits modern lifestyles better than it used to, and 43% said renting works well for them at their current stage of life.
So what is driving that? It often revolves around these principles:
Location access: 56% said renting lets them live in areas they could not otherwise access
Less hassle: 54% said they value not being responsible for maintenance and repairs
That is useful insight for landlords and letting agents, because it shows how tenants make their decisions.
Why tenants want to rent
1) Flexibility
Many tenants want the option to be able to move for work, relationships, study or lifestyle changes without the long commitment of buying. They value simple processes and clear notice periods.
2) Access to better locations
Tenants often rent to live near transport, jobs, schools or social life. They accept paying rent because it unlocks a location they could not afford to buy into.
3) Less responsibility
A major draw is not having to organise repairs or fund big replacements. Tenants want a home that works, with support on the end of a phone when it does not.
4) Day to day simplicity
When renting works well, it feels easy. Rent gets paid smoothly, repairs get handled promptly and communication between the tenant and agent or landlord is clear and friendly.
How landlords can use this to improve service
Make maintenance your selling point
If tenants value not being responsible for repairs, ensure you are on top of it:
Set response targets and stick to them
Allow photo and video reporting so you triage quickly
Schedule seasonal checks to prevent winter breakdowns, for example
Keep tenants updated even when you are waiting on parts
Be clear and transparent
Tenants stay when they trust you and know what to expect:
Explain what is included in rent and what is not
Provide a simple move-in pack with how to report issues, bin days, stopcock location, emergency contacts and other useful information to make life easier
Confirm things in writing after a call
Detail commute time to different cities or major towns, the parking situation, storage, broadband options and other important considerations
Highlight what you manage so tenants know what is required of them
Use floor plans and honest photos to reduce wasted viewings
Support flexibility without losing control
You can support tenant flexibility and protect your position at the same time.
Offer longer terms for tenants who want stability
Offer a reasonable break clause where it suits the property
Avoid making moving out difficult with unrealistic standards
Focus on retention, not just new, let's
If a large share of tenants actively choose renting, they will stay when they have a good experience.
Use fair rent reviews backed by local evidence
Offer small upgrades that improve daily living, like better lighting, a new shower, and extra shelving
A simple way to frame your service
If you want a quick test, ask:
Does this make renting feel easier?
Does this help them live where they want?
Does this reduce hassle and uncertainty?
If the answer is yes, you are building the kind of rental experience tenants increasingly want.
Outsource property management
The key to giving tenants what they want is to make the process of renting as easy as possible. Put in place professional systems without the hassle by outsourcing property management to Executive Property Management Solutions. We take on the hard work to serve your tenants and ensure renewals, safety checks and maintenance are straightforward and simple. Contact us today.
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