Letting out a property is not about finding someone to pay the rent. It is about managing people, their lives, and their homes. And if you have been a landlord for any length of time, you will know that good tenants—reliable, tidy, communicative—do not come around every day. So, when you have got one, holding on to them should be a priority. It is something the best Hertfordshire letting agents often say, and frankly, they’re not wrong.
In the UK, with demand for rental homes still high, you’d think it’d be easy to keep tenants. But expectations are rising. People want more than just four walls—they want service, stability, and to feel looked after. And if they don’t get that? They move on. It’s that simple.
It starts before they move in:
Strange as it sounds, tenant retention begins before the tenant even moves in. If the property doesn’t suit their lifestyle, they’ll be gone before the year is out. A flat on a busy road might not suit someone who works nights. A family won’t settle if there’s no garden or green space nearby.
Being honest about the property and asking the right questions during viewings can help avoid mismatches. If something’s not right, say so. You’re better off waiting for the right tenant than rushing in the wrong one.
Be reachable—and mean it:
This one’s obvious but often overlooked. If something breaks, tenants don’t want to wait three days for a reply. They want to know you’ve heard them and that something’s being done—even if it takes time to sort.
You don’t have to be on call 24/7, but a message that says, “Thanks for flagging this; I’ll get it looked at by Friday” goes a long way. It’s not just about fixing things. It’s about building trust. If a tenant knows they can come to you and be taken seriously, they’re less likely to start looking elsewhere.
Maintenance matters (and tenants do notice):
People want to feel like where they live is being looked after. That doesn’t mean constant upgrades—but it does mean fixing the leaky tap, repainting the hallway when it needs it, and not waiting until everything’s falling apart.
Tenants can tell when a landlord is cutting corners. And while some might stay out of convenience, most won’t stick around if they feel the property’s being neglected. It’s their home, after all. And everyone wants a home that’s cared for.
The little things count:
You don’t need to throw in new kitchens or give away smart TVs. Offering to replace worn carpet, allowing them to put up shelves, or even asking if they would prefer a different colour of paint when redecorating can keep tenants happy.
Even just checking in from time to time—not to inspect, but to ask if everything’s okay—can be effective. It shows you’re not just collecting rent; you care.
Fair rent reviews = fewer headaches:
Rent increases are part and parcel of being a landlord. But big, sudden jumps rarely go down well—especially with good tenants who pay on time and look after the place.
Before raising the rent, look at what others in the area are charging. If you are still in line, great. If not, think about whether a small increase makes more sense than risking a void period. And always give proper notice with a reason. People are far more understanding when they feel they are being treated fairly.
Respect their space:
Once the keys are handed over, that property becomes someone else’s home. And while you may legally own it, emotionally, it is theirs.
Turning up unannounced, scheduling too many inspections, or asking to “just pop in” can sour things quickly. Stick to the rules—at least 24 hours’ written notice—and be flexible with timings. Respect breeds loyalty.
Acknowledge loyalty when it is there:
Tenants who stay for years treat the place well and rarely cause a fuss. That is gold dust. So, it is worth showing appreciation—no grand gestures are required. A card at Christmas, a small upgrade after two or three years, or even just a thank-you email when they renew.
It is not about bribing them to stay. It is about reminding them they are valued.
Offer security where it makes sense:
Some tenants, particularly families and professionals, do not want to move every year. If they have been in place a while and things are working well, why not offer a two-year agreement with a break clause?
It gives them peace of mind and gives them predictable income. Everyone wins.
A final thought:
Being a landlord is not about bricks and mortar. It is about people. And in a market like the UK’s—where renters have more choice than ever—the landlords who understand that are the ones who keep good tenants for longer.
It is not always about doing more. Sometimes, it is about doing things better.
Sky Bloom