Landlords play a vital role in helping tenants create a home
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the need for everyone to have not just a roof over their heads, but to live in a property that feels comfortable and does not cause them stress.
A new study by Stirling, Edgehill and Cardiff Universities led by Dr Kim McKee, has found that landlords and letting agents play a key role in private tenants’ ability to feel ‘at home’. The research team’s evidence review and good practice guidance leaflet highlights seven vital things landlords and letting agents should do to support their tenants to make their rented property a home. These include: investing in property quality, carrying out repairs quickly and well, not discriminating against potential renters who rely on benefits, being open to families with children or those with pets, negotiating with tenants about personalising the property, being respectful and supportive, and offering longer tenancies with stable rents where possible.
The research, which was funded by SafeDeposits Scotland charitable trust, aims to support landlords to raise standards in the private rented sector by providing guidance on what they can do to help their tenants.
For further information about this study please contact: Dr Kim McKee.
Date: January 29, 2021 11:01 am
Author(s): Edward Strudwick
Categorised in: Cross-cutting
