Landlords reportedly feel “demonised” as 81% do not think the media portrayal of the BTL market is fair or accurate, according to the Landbay quarterly survey.
Despite demand for rental properties, some landlords feel the role they play in the UK’s wider housing mix is not recognised by the mainstream media.
They argued “greedy” landlords are blamed for low housing stock and high rents rather than lack of government-built properties over the years.
When asked if they agreed with the statement that the media portrayal is fair and accurate, 33% strongly disagreed, while 48% disagreed.
One landlord said: “The PRS provides much needed homes that are not being built by councils.
“I am a good landlord but I am fed up with being portrayed as someone who has plenty of money and is profiteering off tenants; what would happen if most landlords sold their properties?”
Another added: “It would be good if the media was more balanced and also portrayed the issues for landlords with problem tenants.”
The findings form part of Landbay’s latest quarterly survey which questions existing landlords on various topics to determine their attitude and intentions.
Paul Brett, MD of intermediaries at Landbay, said: “It’s unfortunate that bad news leads when there are so many positive examples of good landlords working in partnership with tenants to provide quality housing.
“With such a reliance on rented accommodation as part of the wider housing mix in the UK, we need quality landlords and new entrants as demand continues to outstrip supply.
“To make this all happen, the government must champion those good quality landlords and work with the sector, rather than against it.
“This will hopefully bring a more balanced approach to the national news agenda and relieve some of the pressure felt by honest and hard-working landlords across the country.”
