Longer stays start with smarter lets In a rental market where supply still can’t quite keep up with demand, it might seem like any tenant is a good tenant. But seasoned landlords know the real value lies in attracting those who stay not just for six months, but for the long haul.
Long-term tenants offer security, reduced void periods, and fewer management headaches. And in 2025, renters are clearer than ever about what they want. The good news? Meeting those expectations doesn’t always require major investment. Often, it’s about mindset, communication, and offering a space that respects both sides of the agreement.
1. Start with a property that feels like home
A place that looks and feels lived in without being cluttered is key. Neutral décor, good lighting, and practical layouts set the foundation, but it’s the personal touches that make a difference.
Allowing tenants some freedom to decorate (even just with soft furnishings or wall art) can dramatically improve their sense of belonging. A tenant who feels they can make the space their own is far more likely to settle in for the long term.
2. Prioritise maintenance and responsiveness
In 2025, tenants are just as likely to assess a landlord as a landlord is to assess them. Being responsive to issues, carrying out repairs promptly, and checking in regularly (but not intrusively) sets a tone of mutual respect.
Regular maintenance checks, a welcome pack at move-in, and even a simple ‘how’s everything going?’ message can build trust. And trust is what keeps tenants from looking elsewhere when their lease ends.
3. Offer fair and flexible tenancy options
Rigid, one-size-fits-all contracts don’t always reflect modern lifestyles. Long-term tenants don’t always come in the form of traditional families they might be remote workers, downsizers, or cohabiting professionals. Flexibility in length of stay, reasonable break clauses, or the option to renew with incentives (like a frozen rent rate or a minor upgrade) can encourage tenants to stick around.
4. Create a space that supports modern living
It’s not just about how the property looks it’s how it functions. Wi-Fi-ready homes, energy-efficient fittings, smart heating controls, and spaces that can adapt to working from home are increasingly sought-after.
Highlighting these features in listings and viewings helps tenants picture themselves living there beyond just the next year.
5. Be a landlord they want to rent from
Professionalism counts for a lot. Clear communication, detailed inventories, fair policies, and a reliable property manager or point of contact all shape a tenant’s experience. Landlords who treat tenants as valued clients not just rent-payers are the ones whose properties stay occupied for years, not months.
Looking to reduce tenant turnover? Let’s talk long-term lettings strategy 