📋 Executive Summary
Landlords are not short of tradespeople – they are short of reliable, vetted and accountable tradespeople.
Across 6,397 respondents, the picture is remarkably consistent: finding good contractors is hard,
managing quality across multiple properties is harder, and landlords want someone trusted to sit between
them and the trades marketplace.
New for 2025: This survey now includes comprehensive energy efficiency and retrofit readiness data
ahead of expected 2026 Renters Rights Act requirements. The findings reveal significant demand for support
with energy upgrades, EPC improvements and whole-house retrofit – representing a substantial additional
opportunity beyond reactive repairs.
The key finding: nearly 4 in 5 landlords want a TLA-endorsed repairs and maintenance directory with
pre-screened, insured and rated trades. 7 in 10 say they would route "most or all" of their reactive and planned jobs
through such a platform once established. For any national trades platform or directory, this represents a
ready-made, highly engaged audience with meaningful annual spend.
81%
Say finding reliable trades in their area is "hard" or "very hard"
76%
Had at least one job go wrong in the last 24 months (no-show, poor quality, overrun or dispute)
79%
Would actively use a TLA-vetted repairs directory for most future jobs
72%
Would pay slightly more for jobs if it meant vetted trades, clear SLAs and guaranteed follow-up
68%
Need to make energy efficiency upgrades before 2026 to meet expected
EPC requirements
83%
Want access to vetted energy efficiency and retrofit specialists through TLA
Word-of-mouth still dominates, but online platforms and directories now sit at the heart of the search process.
Primary Ways Landlords Source Tradespeople (Member Survey)
Word-of-mouth / personal recommendations
74%
Existing "little black book" of known trades
61%
Online trades directories / marketplaces
57%
Google search / general web search
49%
Letting / managing agent arranges works
32%
Social
media / local community groups
19%
Online platforms are already embedded in landlord behaviour.
57% of respondents actively use online trades directories or marketplaces to source contractors,
and almost half use general web search. But this happens alongside informal networks:
74% still lean on recommendations and 61% use long-standing contacts – a clear signal that
trust and track-record trump price alone.
How Often Landlords Commission Trades Work
Ad-hoc only (a few jobs a year)
21%
1–2 jobs per property per year
34%
3–5 jobs per property per year
29%
6+ jobs per property per year
16%
Maintenance is a constant, not a one-off.
Across the 6,397 respondents and 28,787 properties represented, the survey points to
a blended average of just over 6 jobs per property per year –
a substantial, predictable flow of work for vetted trades and advertising sponsors.
Usage & Satisfaction with Major Trades Platforms (TLA Survey Sample)
Landlords who use online platforms were asked which services they turn to most often and how they rate them on
price, reliability, quality of work, compliance support and ease of use. Scores below are
self-reported averages on a 1–5 scale (5 = excellent).
Checkatrade and MyBuilder emerge as the two dominant services within the TLA sample.
Both show strong reliability and quality scores, while government-endorsed schemes such as TrustMark and
highly trusted brands like Which? Trusted Traders score particularly well on compliance.
This creates a clear opportunity for a lead partner to occupy the primary, TLA-endorsed slot
within landlord dashboards and compliance tools.
Landlords are spending money – but far too much time firefighting missed appointments, poor workmanship and communication failures.
⏱️
68%
Have experienced slow response times from trades (jobs taking much longer than promised to start or complete).
🚫
54%
Report at least one no-show or last-minute cancellation in the last 12 months.
🧱
49%
Say they have had to pay to fix or redo poor quality work carried out by previous contractors.
💷
61%
Struggle with opaque or changing pricing (quotes increasing once work has begun).
📱
73%
Want
better communication and job tracking (photos,
updates, clear timelines) baked into the process.
⚠️
37%
Are worried about compliance and certification (gas, electrical, fire safety) not being managed correctly.
"I can always find 'a plumber'. What I can't find is a plumber who turns up when they say, does the job to a good standard,
sends the certificate without chasing and is still around next year. I'd happily pay a bit more for that consistency."
– TLA Member, 5-property portfolio
"Half my time as a landlord is spent project-managing trades. That's not what I signed up for.
If TLA can centralise this with vetted contractors, it's a no-brainer."
– TLA Member, 3-property portfolio
With the Renters Rights Act expected to introduce minimum EPC requirements from 2026, landlords are facing
a critical decision point. This survey reveals the scale of the upgrade challenge – and the urgent demand
for trusted, vetted energy efficiency specialists.
Awareness of Upcoming Energy Efficiency Requirements (Renters Rights Act)
Yes, aware and tracking requirements
52%
Heard about it but don't know details
31%
Not aware / first hearing about it
14%
Tenant – unsure of landlord plans
3%
Awareness is high, but understanding is patchy.
Over half of landlords are tracking the requirements, but nearly a third have only heard
about them without understanding the specifics. This represents a significant opportunity for
education and support from trusted energy efficiency advertising sponsors.
Current EPC Ratings Across Survey Sample
EPC A or B (highly efficient)
8%
EPC C (likely meets future standard)
24%
EPC D (current legal minimum)
42%
EPC E or below (needs upgrades)
16%
Mixed portfolio / not sure
10%
68% of properties in this sample will likely need energy efficiency improvements to meet
expected 2026 minimum standards (assuming EPC C becomes mandatory). With 28,787 properties represented in
the survey sample alone, this translates to approximately 19,575 properties needing upgrades –
and potentially over 100,000 properties across TLA's full landlord membership.
🏠
68%
Need to improve their EPC rating to meet expected 2026 requirements
💰
£5.2k
Average planned spend per property on energy efficiency upgrades (median budget)
⏰
58%
Plan to complete upgrades within 12–24 months (before 2026 deadline)
🔍
83%
Would use a TLA-endorsed energy efficiency and retrofit service
Energy Efficiency Improvements Already Completed
Loft/cavity/solid wall insulation
47%
Double or triple glazing upgrades
39%
New condensing boiler upgrade
34%
Draught-proofing improvements
23%
Smart heating controls/thermostats
19%
Solar PV panels installed
7%
Heat pump installation (ASHP/GSHP)
4%
None yet – still assessing options
21%
Traditional fabric improvements dominate past activity.
Insulation, glazing and boiler upgrades are the "low-hanging fruit" that many landlords have already
tackled. However, adoption of newer technologies like heat pumps (4%) and solar PV (7%) remains low –
presenting a significant opportunity for specialist renewable energy installers.
Planned Energy Efficiency Upgrades Before 2026
Additional insulation (loft, walls, floors)
52%
Replace or upgrade existing boiler
41%
Upgrade windows, doors or glazing
38%
Install smart heating controls
29%
Improve ventilation (reduce damp/mould)
27%
Install solar PV panels
18%
Install heat pump (ASHP/GSHP)
12%
Full whole-house retrofit
14%
Not sure yet / still researching
22%
A pipeline of work worth tens of millions.
With over half planning additional insulation, 41% planning boiler upgrades and growing interest in
solar PV (18%) and heat pumps (12%), the total addressable market for energy efficiency and retrofit
work across TLA's landlord base is substantial. At an average spend of £5,200 per property,
upgrades across just the survey sample could represent over £100m in project value.
Budget Per Property for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Under £2,000 (minor improvements)
18%
£2,000–£5,000 (insulation, boiler, basic solar)
37%
£5,000–£10,000 (heat pump, solar+battery, windows)
24%
£10,000–£20,000 (comprehensive retrofit)
12%
Over £20,000 (full deep retrofit)
4%
Depends on grants/funding availability
5%
Blended average budget is approximately £5,200 per property.
Most landlords are budgeting in the £2k–£10k range, with a significant minority prepared to spend
£10k+ on comprehensive retrofit packages. This represents a sweet spot for mid-range energy efficiency
improvements and renewable installations.
Main Barriers to Making Energy Efficiency Upgrades
High upfront costs / lack of capital
67%
Unclear legal requirements/timelines
54%
Difficulty finding qualified contractors
48%
Disruption to existing tenants
41%
Too complex / don't know where to start
39%
Confusion about grants/funding
36%
Property limitations (listed, conservation)
19%
Uncertain ROI / impact on yields
28%
Cost, complexity and contractor quality are the trinity of concerns.
Nearly half of landlords struggle to find qualified energy efficiency contractors –
an even higher barrier than for general repairs and maintenance. This presents a significant
opportunity for trusted advertising sponsors who can de-risk the retrofit journey.
Types of Support Landlords Need for Energy Efficiency Planning
Access to vetted, accredited installers
81%
Clear cost-benefit analysis and ROI projections
74%
Independent EPC assessment & roadmap
62%
Help with grant applications
58%
Retrofit coordinator to manage project
47%
Fixed-price packages by property type
52%
Tenant communication support
38%
Landlords want a "one-stop shop" for energy efficiency.
The highest-ranking needs – vetted installers (81%), ROI clarity (74%) and compliance guidance (69%) –
point to demand for an integrated service that combines technical expertise, financial transparency
and regulatory navigation. This is precisely what TLA's advertising sponsors in the retrofit sector could deliver.
Likelihood of Using TLA-Endorsed Energy Efficiency Service
"Would you use a TLA-endorsed energy efficiency and retrofit service offering vetted contractors, clear pricing and compliance support?"
83% VERY LIKELY TO USE
Very Unlikely
Neutral
Very Likely
"I know I need to improve my EPC ratings but I have no idea where to start or who to trust.
If TLA could vet the installers and give me a clear roadmap, that would be worth its weight in gold."
– TLA Member, 4-property portfolio
"The cost of retrofitting my properties is eye-watering, but the cost of not doing it –
being unable to re-let from 2026 – is even worse. I need help navigating grants and finding
contractors who actually understand rental properties."
– TLA Member, 8-property portfolio
⚡ The Energy Efficiency Opportunity for Advertising Sponsors
With 68% of surveyed properties needing upgrades before 2026, and an average budget of £5,200 per property,
the total addressable market for energy efficiency and retrofit work across TLA's landlord base is substantial.
19,575
Properties Need Upgrades (Survey Sample)
£5,200
Average Budget Per Property
£102M
Total Project Value (Survey Sample)
83%
Would Use TLA-Endorsed Service
Scaling these figures to TLA's full 56,113 landlord membership suggests a potential retrofit
market exceeding £500 million in project value over the next 2-3 years. For specialist energy
efficiency contractors, solar installers, heat pump engineers and retrofit coordinators, this represents a
ready-made pipeline of qualified, high-intent leads.
This energy efficiency section is sponsored by World of Renewables,
the UK's leading platform for renewable energy solutions, retrofit specialists and energy-efficiency contractors.
For more information about solar PV, heat pumps, battery storage, insulation and whole-house retrofit,
visit worldofrenewables.com
Landlords are asking for exactly the kind of vetted directory and booking layer that national trades platforms can power as advertising sponsors.
Likelihood of Using a TLA-Endorsed Repairs & Trades Directory
"If The Landlord Association launched a vetted repairs and maintenance directory, would you use it for most of your future jobs?"
79% VERY LIKELY TO USE
Very Unlikely
Neutral
Very Likely
Top Reasons Landlords Would Use a TLA-Endorsed Trades Directory
Vetted, reviewed and insured trades only
86%
Transparent pricing and quotes up-front
82%
Faster response times and set SLAs
77%
Ability to track jobs, photos and certificates
73%
Trusted TLA endorsement and dispute support
69%
Integration with TLA dashboards and reminders
58%
This is not about "finding a cheap tradesperson".
The top reasons are all about screening, reliability, accountability and ease of management.
National trades platforms can effectively "plug in" to this demand as advertising sponsors by providing the
underlying directory, ratings and booking infrastructure that sits behind a TLA-branded front end.
Trust Factors When Choosing a Trades Platform
TLA endorsement or integration
83%
Verified reviews and ratings
81%
Clear vetting criteria for trades
78%
Compliance support (certs, reminders, logs)
72%
Ability to leave feedback and escalate issues
69%
Well-known national brand
47%
TLA endorsement multiplies the value of national brand recognition.
83% of surveyed landlords say they would be more likely to use a trades platform if it were
integrated into TLA and backed by TLA's dispute-resolution and
legal support framework,
compared with 47% who say national brand recognition alone is a major driver.
A large, repeat-use landlord audience with significant annual spend, already concentrated inside TLA.
Annual Maintenance Spend per Landlord (Self-Reported)
£1,001 – £3,000 per year
37%
£3,001 – £7,500 per year
29%
£7,501 – £15,000 per year
11%
Blended average maintenance spend from the survey sample is approximately £3,100 per landlord per year.
Applied to the 6,397 respondents, this represents roughly £19.8m in annual maintenance spend.
Extending the same blended average to TLA's full 56,113 landlord membership implies
a maintenance and repairs spend well in excess of £170m per year. When combined with
the additional £100m+ energy efficiency upgrade pipeline, the total addressable market
exceeds £270m.
🔧 A High-Intent, High-Frequency Pipeline of Qualified Jobs
Across the 6,397 respondents alone, the survey points to around 170,000+ jobs per year
(reactive repairs, compliance visits, upgrades and refurbishments). When scaled to TLA's full landlord base
– and then to the wider 86,000+ TLA members including tenants, letting agents and property businesses –
the volume of jobs and lifetime value for trusted advertising sponsors becomes substantial.
6,397
Respondents (Landlords)
28,787
Properties Represented
≈170k
Repairs Jobs per Year
£19.8m
Annual Repairs Spend
£102m
Energy Upgrade Pipeline
£270m+
Total Market Opportunity
For national trades directories or marketplaces, this is not speculative traffic – it is existing demand.
Landlords already spend this money; they are telling us clearly that they want to route it through a
trusted, integrated, TLA-backed solution with vetted trades, stronger SLAs and better accountability.
Professional, engaged and managing meaningful portfolios – plus a wider TLA audience that also needs trades.
Portfolio Size of Respondents
This is not a casual DIY audience.
The majority of respondents manage 3+ properties and treat landlording as a professional activity.
They value advertising sponsors who help them de-risk compliance, keep tenants happy and protect asset values –
not just "a cheap quote".
TLA's Wider Membership (Beyond the Survey Sample)
While this survey focuses on 56,113 landlord members, TLA's total membership exceeds 86,000+ across:
- Landlords: 56,113+ members actively managing portfolios
- Tenants: approximately 21.7% of membership
- Letting agents / property managers: approximately 10.2%
- Property businesses and service providers: approximately 8.2%
All of these groups need trades – for their own homes, their managed portfolios or their clients –
creating additional downstream demand for any trades platform integrated into TLA.
In other words: landlords are the anchor, but not the ceiling.
Advertising sponsors working with TLA can reach landlords, their tenants, their agents and associated
property businesses through a single, trusted channel.
The Landlord Association
UK Rental Membership Platform
TLA - The Landlord Association