Discussion Title: Landlord and tenant relationship highlights need for quality letting agents

New research conducted by Axa Business Insurance has revealed the relationship between the UK’s tenants and landlords is largely harmonious, going against the popular stereotype of terrible tenants and tight-fisted proprietors. Despite this, tenants believe there is still room for improvement regarding safety and security in rental properties. The survey of 485 adults renting homes across the UK found that 59% of tenants are of the opinion they pay a fair price in rent, while 48% said they have a good or very good relationship with their landlord. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of tenants (28%) said their landlord has done something 'nice' for them, with a fifth stating they had done something nice for their landlord in return. The most common acts of kindness from landlords included giving tenants gifts, forgiving late payment during stressful or difficult periods and going above and beyond the call of duty when required. Tenants, on the other hand, are happy to complete small painting or DIY jobs and are even willing to do a spot of home baking in preparation for a landlord visit. However, those surveyed also said more needs to be done to ensure tenants are kept safe and sound in their rental properties. The research found that 71% of landlords have not yet installed a carbon monoxide alarm, 68% have not organised an annual electricity check, 54% have yet to install a fire alarm and 43% have failed to arrange an annual gas safety check. Additionally, 74% of landlords have failed to put locks on all external windows and doors and 78% of landlords have not arranged a door chain or spyhole to improve their tenants’ safety. Nevertheless, the picture painted of landlords up and down the UK was mostly positive, with tenants most often describing their landlords as fair (30%), helpful (23%), responsible (20%), trustworthy (19%) and caring (15%). But those who have enjoyed a happy rental experience know that not everyone is so lucky, with 85% agreeing that the government need to do more to protect people who rent from private landlords. Landlords might not fully understand the ways in which they are obliged to keep their tenants safe and secure. As we can see from the above, there is quite a lot to bear in mind. This is where a good, reliable letting agent comes into play, managing the property on behalf of the landlord and arranging all the necessary checks, installations and repairs. With all this to contend with, letting agents might find they have less time for the all the nitty-gritty admin tasks that need to be done. At Central Lettings Solutions we provide an answer to this problem – outsource the long-winded daily admin work to us, freeing you up to cope with the twin demands of tenants and landlords. Essentially, we operate an outsourced lettings service to help existing letting agencies manage their portfolio without any extra stress and hassle. To find out more about what we do take a look at this informative brochure outlining our main services and goals. Please contact our outsourcing sales team today on 0115 902 1006 or email us at info@centrallettingssolutions.com for more general information. https://www.centrallettingssolutions.com/