Yorkshire Building Society has published research claiming a significant gap between public perceptions of buy-to-let landlords and the views of tenants with direct experience of renting privately, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first buy-to-let mortgage.
The findings come from a survey of 4,000 UK adults, published in the lender's policy paper No Way Home? Restoring Britain's Housing Ladder. Among private renters, 40% described their landlord as reasonable, 40% as approachable, 36% as fair, and 29% as responsive.
By contrast, 9% said their landlord was negligent, 8% unresponsive, 7% unreasonable, and 5% exploitative. When asked to describe landlords in their own words, respondents most commonly used terms including "good," "professional," "friendly," and "understanding."
The survey also found broader support for the sector's role in housing provision. Some 60% of those surveyed agreed that private landlords are vital because they offer choice, while 72% agreed that renting provides flexibility for those who do not wish to buy.
"Landlords are often portrayed negatively in public debate, yet our findings show a very different picture among those with direct experience of renting, demonstrating a clear disconnect between perception and reality," said Tom Simpson, managing director of homes at Yorkshire Building Society.
"The vast majority of landlords provide homes that tenants rely on every day, and most are viewed positively by the people living in their properties. While standards must always be maintained and poor practices challenged, it's important that their contribution is recognised. That's why our No Way Home? report calls for support for responsible landlords to encourage them to provide and expand the supply of good-quality rental homes.
"At a time when demand for rental accommodation continues to outstrip supply, we believe that landlords play a crucial role in providing housing choice and flexibility for millions of people."
The research was published against a backdrop of growing regulatory and tax pressure on the sector. Buy-to-let landlords face restricted tax relief on property income, higher stamp duty land tax on purchases, licensing requirements, and the ongoing impact of renters' reform legislation. From 2027, further changes will increase tax bills on rental income.
Separate research conducted by Accord Mortgages, Yorkshire Building Society's intermediary lending arm, among mortgage brokers found that landlords ranked as the group most in need of government support after first-time buyers, with 21% of brokers saying they should be prioritised for intervention.
The research also found 56% of brokers reported their landlord clients were actively reducing portfolio size, with 53% saying landlords were leaving the private rental sector altogether. No methodology details or fieldwork dates beyond "earlier this year" were provided for the broker survey.
With around one in five households in England living in privately rented accommodation, the lender argues that landlord retention is central to maintaining housing supply.
Simpson added: "The conversation around housing should be balanced and evidence-based. Our research suggests that while perceptions of landlords can often be shaped by wider narratives, the lived experience of many renters is much more positive.
"As policymakers consider the future of the private rental sector, it's vital to recognise the role responsible landlords play in helping to meet the UK's housing need."
