New research shows that the image of tenants with fractious relationships with their letting agents or landlords is generally untrue.

No fewer than 69 per cent of landlords say they have a good relationship with their tenants, with a third describing them as good friends.

The research, based on a survey of 2,000 people earlier this year by Direct Line for Business, reveals that a mere two per cent of landlords said they have a poor relationship with their renters while 15 per cent have no interaction at all – that’s because their communication is handled by a management or lettings agent.

This positivity is reflected in landlords’ view of the health of the UK rental market.

Some 76 per cent of landlords state they feel confident they could fill their property rapidly without losing any rental yield should their existing tenants move out in the next six months. Over a quarter – 27 per cent – are very confident there would be no significant void period if their current tenants moved out.

When it comes to the top three traits landlords are looking for in a good tenant the most important – no surprise here – is paying the rent promptly, at 58 per cent.

This is followed by being respectful of the property and its contents on 41 per cent and being clean and tidy on 37 per cent.

Signing long-term tenancy agreements (11 per cent) and renewing contracts (8 per cent) rank as far less important than the behaviour of a tenant during the rental period.

The same research shows that the characteristics tenants appreciate most in their landlord or agent is the ability to respond to issues quickly soon after they arise (69 per cent), asking for a reasonable rent and never unexpectedly or unfairly raising the rent (52 per cent) and drawing up a fair tenancy agreement (37 per cent).