High Tenant Satisfaction Across England’s Private Rented Sector

Research conducted by Pepper Money has found that three-quarters of tenants in England report being happy with their current renting experience. Specifically, 74% of private renters describe themselves as satisfied with their homes, while only 11% express dissatisfaction. These figures suggest a broadly positive outlook among tenants across the country’s private rented sector (PRS).

Tenant satisfaction levels remain relatively consistent nationwide, though some regions demonstrate slightly higher happiness rates. The South East and South West lead with 78% of tenants reporting satisfaction, followed by the West Midlands and East Midlands at 74%. London and Yorkshire and the Humber both recorded 73%, with the North West, East of England, and North East regions each close behind at 72%.

Landlord Proximity Linked to Higher Tenant Happiness

The study highlights a clear correlation between landlord proximity and tenant satisfaction. Where landlords live within 40 miles of their rental properties, 77% of tenants report being happy. This figure decreases to 71% when landlords reside more than 50 miles away. This suggests that landlords who remain geographically close to their properties are better positioned to engage with tenants and respond promptly to maintenance and repair issues.

Positive Renting Experiences Supported by Landlord Engagement

Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money, commented on the findings: “It is encouraging to see that most tenants report positive renting experiences, particularly where landlords remain closely involved with their properties.” He added, “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.”

These insights underline the value of landlord involvement in property management. For landlords and letting agents, maintaining close communication with tenants and ensuring timely property upkeep can contribute significantly to tenant satisfaction and retention.

Future Homeownership Aspirations Among Tenants

The research also reveals that 69% of tenants express a desire to purchase their own home in the future. Nearly a third (29%) believe they could achieve this within the next three years, indicating a substantial proportion of renters view their current tenancy as a stepping stone towards homeownership.

For landlords, understanding tenants’ aspirations can inform tenancy management strategies and communication, potentially fostering goodwill and longer-term positive relationships.

What This Means for UK Landlords and Agents

These findings confirm that tenant satisfaction in England’s PRS is generally high, particularly where landlords maintain close involvement with their properties. Landlords living near their rental homes are more likely to deliver responsive management, which tenants appreciate. This highlights the importance of proactive landlord engagement and effective property maintenance in sustaining tenant happiness and reducing turnover.

Letting agents and property managers should encourage landlords to remain accessible and responsive, as this approach supports a stable rental market and benefits all parties involved.

Suggested internal link anchors

• tenant satisfaction
• private rented sector
• landlord engagement
• property maintenance
• tenant happiness
• rental property management
• tenant retention
• homeownership aspirations
• letting agents
• landlord proximity

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/