Tenants are happier renting directly from individual landlords than from letting agents or companies, a poll suggests.

The findings of the National Residential Landlords Association study, based on a sample of over 3,000 private renters across the UK, shows that 70% who rent from an individual landlord describe their recent rental experience as ‘positive’, compared with 60% of those renting through a letting agent. 

Overall, just 7% of tenants surveyed reported a negative experience.

The research, conducted by Pegasus Insights, finds that 81% of tenants that rent from an individual landlord are satisfied with the service they receive. This compares to 73% of tenants who rent from a Build To Rent company and 68% of those renting through a letting agent.

The NRLA claims the data highlights the beneficial role played by individual landlords, reinforcing the importance of their place in the housing mix. It adds that these landlords, often letting a small number of properties, are better able to build personal, responsive relationships with their tenants – a key factor in tenant satisfaction and the basis of a healthy rental market.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “These findings underline what we have long known. Smaller, individual landlords are an essential part of the rental market and consistently deliver some of the best outcomes for tenants.

“As ministers continue to reform the private rented sector, it’s vital they recognise the positive role of responsible landlords, as well as the importance of trust-based relationships between tenants and landlords. 

“Policy decisions, and the rhetoric around the sector, must be informed by these facts.”