The biggest deal-breaker for home-hunting renters is damp or mould, with 46% of surveyed renters saying they wouldn’t consider renting a property with damp or mould present. A third of the participants viewed access to a living room (34%) and outdoor space (32%) as a must-have. 32% also feel double-glazing is necessary, while 24% demand fast internet in their rental home.
These features were followed by a pet-friendly policy (23%), off-street parking (21%), large bedrooms (17%), likeability of landlord or agents (17%), and non-overlooked property and privacy from neighbours (16%).
Barclays’ report includes input from TV property expert Phil Spencer, who commented: “Landlords face competition when it comes to appealing to top-tier renters, who can offer more than simply matching the asking price – a little investment now to secure stable, long-term tenants could pay off if it means spending less money down the line on repairs and having fewer gaps between occupants.”