Young landlords are more likely to support their tenants during the cost-of-living crisis, according to a new survey by Uswitch.

The study polled both landlords and tenants to identify attitudes towards landlord-tenant relationships and to determine whether landlords would support tenants through the current economic crisis.

The survey found that 57% of landlords aged 18 to 24 would reduce or freeze rent or make energy-efficient upgrades to support their tenants through the cost of living crisis.

This is higher than the percentage of landlords aged 55 and above who agreed to provide support, with just 40% of landlords in this age bracket agreeing to do so.

When it comes to tenants’ perception of the support available, only 21% believe that they would be supported by their landlords if they asked for help. However, the number of landlords who claim they would provide support is almost double that, at nearly half.

Communication was identified as the most important factor in a good landlord-tenant relationship, with 68% of tenants and 51% of landlords agreeing on the priority.

However, there were differences in opinion between age groups on other factors, with 25- to 34-year-old tenants valuing honesty and 45- to 54-year-old and 55-plus landlords prioritising upkeep of the property.

With inflation rising to 10.4% in February and the cost of food rising to the highest rate in 45 years, support offered by landlords is increasingly under the spotlight, according to Uswitch’s Kellie Steed.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining regular communication with tenants and encouraging them to report any issues, as well as keeping property in good condition and providing information on efficient heating and ventilation.

“If your tenants are unable to pay their rent, it could leave you in a vulnerable position for your own mortgage payments,” Steed added.