Ever wonder what a typical landlord looks like? The following breakdown comes from a large government survey of landlords in England. Take a deeper drive into the data from the latest English Private Landlord Survery.

It looks at who rents out homes, how many properties they own, and how they manage tenancies. We’ve translated the key findings so tenants can get a clearer picture of what the “average landlord” actually looks like in real life - not just the stereotypes.

1. Most landlords only own one place

The majority of landlords are small, individual landlords, not companies.
About 45% own just one rental property, and most don’t treat it like a business.

What that means for tenants:
You’re likely renting from someone who’s not a professional landlord and may be figuring things out as they go.

2. Many landlords are older, and a lot are retired

The largest group (around 1 in 3 landlords) are retired people renting out a property for extra income.

What that means for tenants:
They’re often more cautious and risk-averse, but they may also value stability and long-term tenants.

3. Their approach to rent rises is mixed

Small landlords are actually less likely to raise rent every year compared with bigger, business-style landlords.

• Only 46% of small retired landlords raised rent at the last renewal

• Bigger landlords pushed rents up far more aggressively (59–61%)

What that means for tenants:
If you rent from a small landlord, your rent increases may be more predictable - but not guaranteed.

4. Most small landlords avoid complicated checks

Small landlords tend to use simple requirements like:

• Rent in advance

• Standard deposits

They’re much less likely to require:

• Guarantors

• Deposit-replacement schemes

• Corporate-style referencing

What that means for tenants:
The process can be simpler - but some small landlords still rely on old-fashioned or inconsistent practices.

5. They are very cautious about who they rent to

Across all landlord types:

• Around 90% would not rent to someone with previous rent arrears

• 69–80% say they would not rent to tenants on housing support

What that means for tenants:
The system is tough for people on lower incomes or with any previous financial issues, even if circumstances have changed.

6. Most small landlords aren’t trying to grow - many plan to leave

Small landlords typically:

• Don’t intend to buy more properties

• Are more likely to sell or leave the sector over time

• Often leave because of age, life changes, or hassle - not just regulation

What that means for tenants:
You may experience a landlord selling up unexpectedly, even if you’ve been a good tenant.

In simple terms: The “average landlord” is…

A small, usually older landlord who owns one property, doesn’t run a large business, prefers low-hassle tenancies, is cautious about risk, and isn’t trying to expand.

This shapes a lot of the tenant experience:

• Slower rent increases than corporate landlords

• But stricter views about who they’ll rent to

• And a risk of your home being sold if they leave the market

Conclusion: What this means for renters

Understanding what the average landlord looks like helps make sense of many renting experiences.

Most tenants aren’t dealing with big companies - they’re dealing with individuals who may be inexperienced, cautious, or nearing retirement. That can mean more flexibility and stability for some renters, but also inconsistent standards and sudden changes if the landlord decides to sell up.

With more landlords planning to reduce their portfolios or leave the market altogether, tenants may face more uncertainty in the coming years. Knowing who your landlord is and where they fit in this wider picture can help you prepare, protect your rights, and make informed choices throughout your tenancy.