What do tenants really want in a rental? The answer is surprisingly personal.
When tenants feel happy in a rental, they’re more likely to stay put and look after the property.
For landlords, this can mean a long-running, trouble-free tenancy (and who doesn’t want that?).
So what elevates a rental from being a roof over one’s head to a home?
A recent survey* of 2,000 tenants gives us an insight. It looked at renters’ attitudes to the interior living spaces of where they live.
Meeting tenant needs
First, some positive news: many tenants (57%) believed their living space matched their needs either extremely well or very well.
Overall, men were more content (64%) than women (52%).
The happiest group were the over-55s, with 64% giving their living arrangements the thumbs up.
However, satisfaction levels were lower among Gen Z (18 to 24) renters. Less than half of this demographic said their rental met their needs well.
Main concern
An overwhelming majority of private tenants (74%) wanted the scope to personalise where they live.
They even said they would pay more for the privilege.
Respondents said they’d be willing to pay, on average, £97 extra a month if it meant they had fewer restrictions to contend with.
Key takeaway for landlords
Many tenants want to be able to put their own stamp on a property. (Perhaps this is because people tend to rent for longer these days.)
Allowing minor changes, be they applying a lick of paint or putting up shelves, can be a good way to build rapport.
It may also encourage good tenants to feel at home and settle in long-term, meaning you don’t have to worry about void periods or tenant selection.
However, as the property owner, it’s entirely up to you to decide what changes to permit, if any at all.
The tenancy agreement should clearly state that the landlord must consent to any changes.
We’d suggest that it can be helpful to remind tenants of this clause when they first move in.
It’s also good practice to ensure your check-in inventory includes photographs detailing the condition of the property.
Regular inspections during a tenancy are vital, too.
If you’d like help managing your rental property, contact us today. We’re here to assist.
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*Research by retailer TK Maxx
