TDS Charitable Foundation’s ‘Voice of the Landlord’ Survey Returns

The TDS Charitable Foundation is running a survey of English landlords for a second time, following the success of the first ‘Voice of the Landlord’ survey last year. The research seeks to capture landlords' views and experiences of the private rented sector in England, providing valuable insights to inform national policy and debate.

Why this research is important

The Renter’s Rights Bill currently making its way through Parliament proposes major changes to the private rented sector in England, including the abolition of fixed term tenancies, the removal of Section 21, a ban on rental bidding, and prohibiting the payment of rent in advance of the tenancy being entered into.

The UK Government has also recently reintroduced plans to raise minimum energy efficiency standards in England and Wales. Under these proposals, all privately rented homes would need an Energy Performance Certificate rating of 'C' or above by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies, up from a minimum ‘E’ rating.

These legislative changes may have a significant impact on landlords. Gathering information on landlords’ experiences and perspectives can help to paint a clearer picture of the private rented sector, providing valuable evidence for policymakers. By participating in this survey, landlords can ensure that their voices are heard in shaping England’s housing policy.

What the research will cover

Who are England’s landlords? 

England’s private rented sector is made up of a diverse range of landlords from different backgrounds. Understanding this diversity is key to seeing how different landlords could be impacted by regulatory changes. Gathering these insights will help identify the support landlords need to navigate an ever-evolving rental market.

Satisfaction and challenges

What’s working well, and what are the challenges? The survey explores landlords’ experiences, from repairs and maintenance to relationships with tenants. It also captures views on upcoming regulatory changes, providing crucial insights into how these will impact portfolios and operations.

Property management

How do landlords set rents, choose tenants, and maintain their properties? By exploring different management approaches, the survey will provide valuable insights into landlord decision-making. Understanding these approaches is crucial for assessing how landlords navigate market pressures and adapt to regulatory changes.

Portfolio changes

With housing shortages a major concern, the survey examines portfolio changes. Looking at whether landlords have expanded, maintained or reduced their portfolios in the last year, or intend to do so in the future, we can gain a clearer picture of the housing supply landscape and how this might shift in response to regulatory changes.

Further details

This project is managed by the TDS Policy and Research Team with data sampling, collection, and analysis conducted by the external research company Insight Advantage. To ensure we capture evolving trends, the survey is conducted annually. Rest assured, all responses are anonymous.

To take part in the survey click here.

More information

The TDS Charitable Foundation is a charity that aims to raise standards in the private rented sector in England through research and funded projects.