Landlords are well-positioned ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to research by Hiscox, as just 5% of renters report having a negative experience with their landlord.
24% of renters describe their relationship with their landlord as friendly, and a further quarter (24%) as professional. Many tenants (30%) also describe having a neutral feeling towards their landlord.
This comes as the rental market is undergoing one of its most significant shake-ups in decades, with the Renters’ Rights Act scheduled to come into force in May 2026. For landlords, prioritising tenant satisfaction is their top priority to maintain long-lasting tenancies.
To help landlords navigate this changing landscape, Hiscox has explored the practical steps that can strengthen relationships and improve retention. The analysis draws on more than 1,000 tenant–landlord conversations on Reddit, offering a snapshot of the issues most frequently discussed online, with upvotes used as a measure of how widely each topic resonates.
Respecting tenant privacy is the most talked-about landlord trait online
A Reddit analysis of tenant discussions highlights the landlord traits most frequently discussed by renters online, with respecting tenant privacy topping the list. The full breakdown of priorities is shown below:
| Landlord trait | Number of Reddit upvotes | % of total upvotes |
| Respecting tenant privacy | 1,003 | 59% |
| Responsiveness to repair requests | 264 | 16% |
| Clear communication with tenants | 226 | 13% |
| Fair rent pricing and transparency | 169 | 10% |
| Providing a safe and habitable environment | 36 | 2% |
Caveat: It’s important to note that this Reddit analysis reflects the issues that appear most commonly in online conversations about tenants and landlord experiences, rather than a representative ranking of what all renters across the UK consider most important. Traits that appear lower in the rankings may be less frequently debated online, rather than less valued in practice.
“These findings highlight the issues driving conversation amongst tenants when it comes to their landlords: privacy, responsiveness, and open communication," explained Michael Dear, landlord insurance product lead at Hiscox.
"It’s clear that small, thoughtful actions like respecting boundaries, addressing repairs promptly, and being transparent about rent, can have a huge impact on tenant satisfaction. Landlords who prioritise these behaviours not only create a more positive renting experience but also build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their tenants.”
Neglected repairs are the most frequently discussed tenant frustration online
Alongside the most talked-about positive traits, the research also highlights the issues that generate the most tension in online tenant discussions. From repair delays to unclear communication, several recurring problems stood out. The table below breaks down the most common frustrations raised by tenants:
| Landlord trait | Reddit upvotes | % of total upvotes |
| Neglecting repairs or property upkeep | 1,018 | 49% |
| Failure to comply with legal obligations | 416 | 20% |
| Unfair rent increases or hidden charges | 290 | 14% |
| Unclear or dishonest communication | 217 | 10% |
| Intrusiveness or excessive inspections | 118 | 6% |
| Withholding deposits unfairly | 32 | 2% |
The findings suggest that online tenant discussions are most heavily driven by complaints about basic housing standards. Nearly half (49%) of complaints focused on neglected repairs, highlighting how important it is for tenants to feel comfortable and secure in their space.
Other common issues, including unmet legal obligations or unexpected charges, show that clear communication and fairness are commonly spoken about. Minor frustrations, such as intrusive inspections or withheld deposits, can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the renting experience.
Five key changes coming in the Renters’ Rights Act (May 2026)
With rental reform on the horizon, here are five key updates landlords should know about:
One rent increase per year, capped at the market rate: Tenants can challenge excessive increases at a First-tier Tribunal.
Ban on rental bidding wars: Landlords and agents must advertise a single rent and cannot accept offers above the listed rate.
Stronger eviction rules: Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are abolished, and landlords will only be able to evict on specific, legally defined grounds (Section 8).
End of fixed-term tenancies: All existing and new fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will automatically convert into assured periodic (rolling) tenancies.
Notice periods on periodic tenancies: Tenants will be able to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
Michael continues, “Strong, respectful relationships between landlords and tenants make a real difference to how long tenancies last. Tenants want to feel secure, listened to, and treated fairly. With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, those everyday behaviours matter even more. Landlords who get the basics right are likely to find it easier to build trust and avoid problems as the rules change."
"Our landlord insurance product is designed to support landlords through this evolving landscape, helping them manage risks so they can concentrate on maintaining safe, well-managed properties that tenants want to call home.”
