Landlords are being encouraged to respect tenant privacy ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill, according to new analysis from Hiscox examining tenant and landlord discussions on Reddit.

To help landlords navigate the evolving rental landscape, specialist insurer Hiscox analysed more than 1,000 tenant conversations on Reddit. The research provides a snapshot of the issues most frequently discussed online, with upvotes used as an indicator of how strongly each topic resonates.

The key traits tenants value in a landlord

Landlord trait 

Number of Reddit upvotes 

% of total upvotes

Respecting tenant privacy

1,003

59%

Responsiveness to repair requests

264

16%

Clear communication with tenants

226

13%

Fair rent pricing and transparency

169

10%

Providing a safe and habitable environment

36

2%

Michael Dear, Landlord Insurance Product Lead at Hiscox, says: “These findings highlight the issues driving conversation amongst tenants when it comes to their landlords: privacy, responsiveness, and open communication. It’s clear that small, thoughtful actions like respecting boundaries, addressing repairs promptly, and being transparent about rent, can have a huge impact on tenant satisfaction. Landlords who prioritise these behaviours not only create a more positive renting experience but also build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their tenants.” 

Five traits landlords should adopt ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act 

  • The majority of renters are happy with their landlord, says new Hiscox survey, with only 5% reporting a negative experience
  • Respecting tenant privacy has emerged as the most discussed landlord quality online, topping renters’ priorities, according to a Reddit analysis
  • Hiscox shares five key changes landlords will face when the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May 2026 

Landlords are well-positioned ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act according to new research by Hiscox, as just 5% of renters report having a negative experience with their landlord1. 

Nearly a quarter (24%) of renters describe their relationship with their landlord as friendly, almost one in four (24%) as professional. Many tenants (30%) also describe having a neutral feeling towards their landlord. 

This comes as the rental market is undergoing one of its most significant shake-ups in decades, with the Renters’ Rights Act scheduled to come into force in May 2026. For landlords, prioritising tenant satisfaction is their top priority to maintain long, lasting tenancies.

To help landlords navigate this changing landscape, specialist insurer Hiscox has explored the practical steps that can strengthen relationships and improve retention. The analysis draws on more than 1,000 tenant–landlord conversations on Reddit, offering a snapshot of the issues most frequently discussed online, with upvotes used as a measure of how widely each topic resonates. 

“Respecting tenant privacy is the most talked-about landlord trait online”

Caveat: It’s important to note that this Reddit analysis reflects the issues that appear most commonly in online conversations about tenants and landlord experiences, rather than a representative ranking of what all renters across the UK consider most important. Traits that appear lower in the rankings may be less frequently debated online, rather than less valued in practice.

Michael Dear, Landlord Insurance Product Lead at Hiscox, says: “These findings highlight the issues driving conversation amongst tenants when it comes to their landlords: privacy, responsiveness, and open communication. It’s clear that small, thoughtful actions like respecting boundaries, addressing repairs promptly, and being transparent about rent, can have a huge impact on tenant satisfaction. Landlords who prioritise these behaviours not only create a more positive renting experience but also build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with their tenants.” 

“Neglected repairs are the most frequently discussed tenant frustration online”

Alongside the most talked-about positive traits, the research also highlights the issues that generate the most tension in online tenant discussions. From repair delays to unclear communication, several recurring problems stood out. The table below breaks down the most common frustrations raised by tenants:

Landlord trait 

Reddit upvotes 

% of total upvotes

Neglecting repairs or property upkeep

1,018

49%

Failure to comply with legal obligations

416

20%

Unfair rent increases or hidden charges

290

14%

Unclear or dishonest communication

217

10%

Intrusiveness or excessive inspections

118

6%

Withholding deposits unfairly

32

2%

The findings suggest that online tenant discussions are most heavily driven by complaints about basic housing standards.  Nearly half (49%) of complaints focused on neglected repairs, highlighting how important it is for tenants to feel comfortable and secure in their space. 

Other common issues, including unmet legal obligations or unexpected charges, show that clear communication and fairness are commonly spoken about. Minor frustrations, such as intrusive inspections or withheld deposits, can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the renting experience. 

Five key changes coming in the Renters’ Rights Act (May 2026)* 

With rental reform on the horizon, here are five key updates landlords should know about:

  • One rent increase per year, capped at the market rate: Tenants can challenge excessive increases at a First-tier Tribunal.
  • Ban on rental bidding wars: Landlords and agents must advertise a single rent and cannot accept offers above the listed rate.
  • Stronger eviction rules: Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are abolished, and landlords will only be able to evict on specific, legally defined grounds (Section 8).
  • End of fixed-term tenancies: All existing and new fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will automatically convert into assured periodic (rolling) tenancies.
  • Notice periods on periodic tenancies: Tenants will be able to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice.

Michael continues: “Strong, respectful relationships between landlords and tenants make a real difference to how long tenancies last. Tenants want to feel secure, listened to, and treated fairly. 

“With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, those everyday behaviours matter even more. Landlords who get the basics right are likely to find it easier to build trust and avoid problems as the rules change. 

Our landlord insurance product is designed to support landlords through this evolving landscape, helping them manage risks so they can concentrate on maintaining safe, well-managed properties that tenants want to call home.”

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