2025- Attracting Good Long Term Tenants

As a self-managing landlord, I am always delighted when good tenants want to renew their tenancy.
Having long-term tenants is one of the best ways to reduce the costs and hassle of multiple tenant turnover. In 2025, with tenants expectations continuing to evolve, as a landlord I am constantly looking at way to attract and retain reliable renters.
How can a landlord take positive steps to attract and retain the best tenants. The check list below will help make your rental property an attractive prospect for long term tenants.

1. Property Maintenance
We're home!
From before tenants’ step inside the door they have formed an opinion on whether they could call the property their home. Curb appeal is not only crucial for purchasers of a property but is also significant for tenant. It may sound obvious, but I have conducted inventories on countless of properties where I think, a new coat of paint on the front door (and frame), a lawn trim and de-weed of beds could definitely attracted a higher rent and helped to attract good quality long term tenants.
Routine inspections and repairs are the key, planned 6 monthly interim inspections can help, with a detailed report produced photographic documentation of the condition & cleanliness of the property. Maintenance issues can be noted at inspection and nipped in the bud before causing costly damage to the fabric of the building. In my experience as a landlord, my tenants tend to treat the property with respect as they see I care about the property.

2. Good vibrations! Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Start off as you mean to go on. Be approachable, respond in a timely manner and be pro-active, especially when it comes to repairs and general maintenance. If there’s a hedge/tree (which isn’t reasonable to be within the lease terms for tenant to maintain), I schedule a bi-annual visit to trim. Tenants are more likely to stay if they feel valued and supported.

3. Tenant Trends
The rental market is always changing, and tenants’ priorities along too. From energy efficiency to remote working spaces, keeping up with these trends can set your property apart.
Energy Efficiency: There was a time (not too distant past) where the EPC of a property was not a significant consideration for the vast majority of tenants. With increasing energy tariffs tenants are now favouring properties which are cost-effective to heat with a high EPC rating (C and above).
Some energy efficient steps include adding or increasing loft insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, installing smart thermostats are ways of attracting more tenants.

Working from home- This ‘trend’ does not appear to be a baiting. Since Covid, working from home either permanently, hybrid-or temporarily are here to stay. Home work spaces and ultra-fast broadband are significant attractions to tenants, where some tenants are rejecting  properties due the lack of these facilities.

Pet-Friendly Rentals: More and more tenants are looking for a place to live with their pet. Many landlords are still not willing to accommodate pets, due to the potential for damage to their property and anti-social behaviour (problem barking). By advertising your property as pet-friendly you’ll stand out, especially to those looking for long-term tenancies. To ensure your property is protected it is vital to get a professional independent inventory conducted immediately prior to tenancy start. That way, if these has been any damage (caused by a pet (or otherwise)) during the course of the tenancy, this can be picked up at check-out and attributed to the tenants. In addition to ensuring I have an independnet inventory; I ask for a Pet Declaration to be signed.

Outdoor Space: Again, another preference established during Covid- whether it’s a balcony, private garden or communal the vast majority of tenants are looking for properties with an outdoor space. Creating a well-tended and stylish outdoor space can create a significant positive impact.

By partnering with a professional independent inventory service, you will safeguard both the tenant and the landlord at tenancy end should a dispute arise.  A detailed inventory report providing evidence of the condition and cleanliness of the property at the start of the tenancy will act as robust evidence should a dispute arise.  You will also be able to monitor the condition of the property to flag any maintenance issues during the course of the tenancy with mid-term inspections.

Please call Julie Godard 07557008203 if you would like to discuss your inventory requirements