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If you believe every headline you read, the relationship between landlords and tenants is one fraught with tension – but a new survey shows a much softer side.
More than a third (34 per cent) of landlords who responded to the survey, by tenant insurance provider Endsleigh, said they have given a welcome or farewell gift to a tenant.
It found that 54 per cent of tenants received help with DIY and 29 per cent received a bottle of wine from their landlord. As a result, 72 per cent of tenants said such acts positively changed their perception of their landlord.
Indeed, 70 per cent of tenants who received an act of kindness stayed in the property for 24 months or more, compared to just 53 per cent who didn’t receive an act of kindness.
Among landlords who were asked what gifts they give tenants, 59 per cent said a bottle of wine, while 49 per cent gave cards and 25 per cent gave plants or flowers.
Additionally, qualitative data showed that landlords gave tenants everything from Christmas hampers, home-grown vegetables through to rent-free months during periods of unemployment and topped up gas and electricity meters.
“Providing a welcome hamper when a new tenant moves into a property will go a long way to setting the relationship off on a good foot,” said Marcus Latchford, lettings and landlords manager at Endsleigh.
“However, the thoughtful, practical gifts and gestures like offering to hang pictures on the wall or letting the tenant select flooring when redecorating add the most value.”
The survey also asked landlords and tenants about the ideal relationship. Half of the landlord respondents said a professional relationship was ideal, while 49 per cent of tenants said the same.
More than a third (36 per cent) of tenants wanted a friendly relationship with their landlord compared to just 21 per cent of landlords.
“The easiest and most stress-free lettings come when there’s a good working relationship between the landlord and the tenant,” said Latchford.
“Our survey results show it’s important to remain professional as a landlord, but also that tenants appreciate help getting settled into a property.”
What kind of gifts have you given your tenants? Share your experience in the comments section below.
