Buy-to-let landlords prefer couples to singles, says survey

A new survey by online lettings agent Upad.co.uk may make tenants without a partner rather unhappy on Velntine’s Day, as it shows landlords would prefer to rent out their properties to couples rather than single folk.

With two-thirds of buy-to-let owners favouring a couple as tenants, according to the Upad figures, those looking for a rental property who don’t have someone special to share with may find themselves overlooked in favour of a couple. The research suggests that those with a partner are likely to take a longer lease, show more respect for the property as a home and be more likely to pay their rent on time.

James Davis, founder of Upad.co.uk, says over half the one- and two-bedroom properties it lets out are to couples. “Of course there are many factors involved as to why a couple may be a more appealing prospect for a landlord. One of the biggest reasons seems to be that they are perceived to treat the property more like a home and by spreading the risk, a couple is more likely to keep up with rental payments.

“However, in defence of single renters, we must point out that there is always a chance that a couple may split up and this may result in complications for a landlord including the early termination of a lease and leaving them with new tenants to find.”

Further Upad analysis suggests that with rents increasing as a result of the “broken” housing market referred to in the recent government White Paper, cash-strapped couples – especially younger ones – may these days prefer to live in a one-bedroom property, making living together a more affordable option.

Davis adds: “Over the next three years we could expect to see rent increasing by up to 10%. This, combined with council tax, utility bills and general household bills, will literally mean double the costs for anyone renting on their own. On the whole, given the costs associated with renting, single renters today are more likely to rent in a house share of some description where they can split some of these costs with housemates.

“This will allow them to make more savings and put them in a better position to build a deposit to perhaps buy their own property, should that be their ultimate plan.”