"Our research shows that when landlords are engaged and responsive, tenants feel the benefit directly through well-maintained homes, quicker repairs and a greater sense of stability and trust, all of which help sustain a functioning rental sector"
- Paul Adams - Pepper Money
Almost three-quarters (74%) of tenants in England say they are happy with their renting experience, according to research from Pepper Money, with just 11% reporting unhappiness.
The survey, conducted nationally among private renters, found satisfaction levels remained high across all regions, with the South East and South West recording the strongest tenant happiness.
The research also revealed a link between landlord proximity and tenant satisfaction. Across England, 77% of tenants whose landlord lives within 40 miles of their property reported being happy with their experience, compared with 71% of those with landlords located more than 50 miles away. This suggests that local landlord presence can support quicker responses, better-maintained homes, and a more positive renting experience.
The findings underline the continued importance of engaged landlords in a rental sector facing increasing regulatory and financial pressures.
Table 1: Overall, how happy are you with your experience renting the property you are currently in, split regionally
| Region | Tenant Happiness |
| South East | 78% |
| South West | 78% |
| West Midlands | 74% |
| East Midlands | 74% |
| London | 73% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 73% |
| North West | 72% |
| East England | 72% |
| North East | 72% |
Table 2: Overall, how happy are you with your experience renting the property you are currently in, split by proximity to landlord.
| Distance landlord lives from rented property | Tenant happiness |
| Within 5 miles | 77% |
| Within 6 to 20 miles | 79% |
| Within 21 to 30 miles | 71% |
| Within 31 to 40 miles | 80% |
| Within 41 to 50 miles | 75% |
| More than 50 miles away | 71% |
N.B respondents based on only those who knew how far their landlords lived from them (sample size of 1,838)
The research also highlights tenants’ longer-term housing plans. A separate Pepper Money study found that 69% of renters want to buy their own home in the future, with 29% expecting to be in a position to do so within the next three years. This emphasises the value of a stable and supportive rental market as tenants plan their next steps.
“At a time when the UK is facing a chronic undersupply of housing, private landlords continue to play a vital role in bringing much-needed homes to the rental market,” said Paul Adams, sales director at Pepper Money. “It is encouraging to see that most tenants report positive renting experiences, particularly where landlords remain closely involved with their properties."
"Our research shows that when landlords are engaged and responsive, tenants feel the benefit directly through well-maintained homes, quicker repairs and a greater sense of stability and trust, all of which help sustain a functioning rental sector."
He added, “Recognising the pressures landlords face in continuing to provide homes in a challenging market, brokers have a crucial role to play in helping them navigate ongoing regulatory change and rising complexity. By offering informed guidance on compliance, affordability and long-term portfolio planning, brokers can help landlords adapt with confidence rather than retreat from the market altogether."
"At a time when stability in the private rented sector is essential to addressing ongoing undersupply, this advisory support is key to ensuring landlords remain engaged, informed and able to continue providing much-needed rental homes.”
