How to Keep Good Tenants for Longer
Every time a good tenant leaves, you pay for it: an empty month, marketing, referencing, cleaning and the risk the next tenant isn’t as good. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants can leave on two months’ notice at any time, so keeping the good ones matters more than ever.
💷 What tenant turnover really costs
A single void month, plus letting fees, cleaning, minor redecoration and the time spent finding someone new, can easily add up to more than a year’s worth of a modest rent increase. A tenant who pays on time and looks after the property is one of a landlord’s most valuable assets.
🔧 Fix things quickly
Slow repairs are the most common reason tenants move. Acknowledge reports promptly, give a realistic timescale and follow up once the job’s done. See our guide to managing repairs in a rental property.
🏠 Respect that it’s their home
Give proper notice before visits, at least 24 hours, and keep inspections to a sensible frequency. Be reasonable about requests such as hanging pictures or, where it suits the property, keeping a pet. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords can’t unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request for a pet.
📈 Be fair with rent reviews
Review rent annually against the market and explain any increase. Small, regular, evidence-based increases are easier to accept than a big jump after years of nothing. Sometimes keeping a good tenant at slightly below market rent is the better commercial decision. More in our guide to setting the right rent.
🤝 Handle disagreements well
Disputes over repairs, noise, cleaning or deposits will happen. What matters is how they’re handled:
- Listen first, and get the facts before responding
- Stay calm and stick to what the tenancy agreement says
- Look for a fair, practical solution, not a win
- Put any agreement in writing
Most issues are resolved with one sensible conversation. For tips on getting communication right day to day, see how good communication makes for better tenancies.
✨ Small upgrades go a long way
A fresh coat of paint, a new shower head or better lighting can make a tenant feel valued, and protects the property’s value too. Ask tenants what would make the biggest difference to them.
🏘️ A note for HMO landlords
In shared houses, retention also depends on how housemates get on. Clear house rules, well-kept shared spaces and a fair process for raising issues between tenants all help people stay.
👋 How Portus handles it
On our full property management service, we look after tenants the way we’d want to be looked after: fast repairs, clear communication and fair treatment. Happy tenants stay longer, and that means fewer voids for our landlords. Get in touch or call us on 0151 329 3538.
