New research from Plentific has revealed that 42% of UK renters reporting poor level of property management responsiveness are likely to move in next 12 months.
In addition, families renting in the UK spent 1.2 million days resolving household maintenance issues last year.
These two factors combined pose a significant risk to landlords’ tenant retention.
Of all residents polled by Plentific, almost half (45%) would not be likely to recommend their homeowner or property manager to others.
Much of this negative sentiment relates to the efficacy of landlords’ and property managers’ communication with residents.
Less than a quarter (23%) of UK residents reported receiving real-time updates on their maintenance complaints, and across all three markets, 19% of residents said they have never received an update on the resolution of issues they have experienced in their homes.
Some 93% of residents surveyed said that owners and managers’ responsiveness to reported maintenance issues was important.
Critically, over half (52%) of those households considering moving in the next 12 months would be less likely to do so if communication with their homeowner or property manager was better.
A clear solution is open to landlords in the form of centralised property management functions.
More than half (55%) of UK residents surveyed said they would prefer to have a dedicated app to report home issues to landlords and property managers.
This figure rises to 72% for those in their 30s.
Cem Savas, CEO at Plentific, said: “A lack of responsive maintenance-related communications from landlords and property managers has a direct impact on the likelihood of those residents to leave their accommodation.
“Our latest research underscores the urgent need to remodel landlords’ communications channels and techniques.
“By embracing digitalised and centralised property management functions, landlords can improve relationships with their residents and improve their prospects for retention.”
