Half of tenants would move out of their rented property if their landlord increased their rent, according to a survey by Uswitch.
The comparison site polled current tenants about whether they would renew their contract and accept a rent hike in a survey which delved into the relationships between renters and their landlords.
It emerged, more than a third of tenants would both renew their contract and accept a rent increase if they had a positive relationship with their landlord.
But this was not the majority response. Indeed, 50% said they would renew their contract but only without the rent increase.
Only one in ten tenants would neither renew their contract nor accept an increase in rent.
The survey comes as demand for rented homes is 10% higher than in March 2022. Many tenants are deciding whether to stay put in their current property at the expense of increased rent, or to move in the hope of a better deal.
To discover how many tenants consider their landlord-tenant relationship when making rental decisions, the Uswitch buy-to-let mortgage experts surveyed tenants on whether they would accept a longer contract or rent increase if they had a positive relationship with their landlord.
Tenants and landlords were also polled on what qualities they think contribute to a good landlord-tenant relationship.
Uswitch said tenants aged 18 to 24 were the least willing to base both of their rental decisions on their landlord-tenant relationship.
Those aged 55+ were the most likely to consider a contract extension and rent increase based on a positive relationship with their landlord.
Tenants aged 55 and over were the least likely to renew their contract without accepting a rent increase, based on a positive relationship with their landlord too.
When it came to the factors which contributed to a good landlord-tenant relationship, there was one which stood out – communication.
Seven in 10 (71%) tenants selected this, and half (51%) of landlords agreed. Here’s what else made the list:
What contributes to a good landlord-tenant relationship?
| Value | Tenants | Landlords |
| Communication | 71% | 51% |
| Honesty | 69% | 50% |
| Upkeep of the property | 64% | 47% |
| Abiding to the terms and conditions of the contract | 54% | 44% |
| Being aware of their responsibilities | 51% | 41% |
(Source: Uswitch.com)
Kellie Steed, Uswitch.com’s buy-to-let mortgages expert, said: “It is clear from our survey data that tenants place a lot of importance on the positive values that go into a successful landlord-tenant relationship.
“The top five qualities were all selected by more than half of the tenants surveyed, and it is these positive relationship building blocks that have influenced 36% to consider renewing their contract on a higher rent.”
Steed offered some tips to landlords on how to help build a successful relationship with tenants.
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Set clear expectations
Be clear about your expectations from the get-go, said Steed. “Whether this is the timing for rent payments, or your understanding of fair wear-and-tear, it’s important that you are upfront with what you expect of your tenants.”
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Be consistently reliable
Uswitch’s survey showed communication was vital to most tenants, so Steed advised landlords to ensure they were reachable.
“Make sure your tenants know how to contact you, and when it’s appropriate to do so,” she said.
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Treat tenants with respect
Provides tenants with plenty of notice for visits, communicate appropriately, fixing issues after they are first reported, Steed suggested.
“By showing respect to your tenants, it is more likely they will act respectfully in return, towards you and your property,” she added.
