An independently owned letting agency has been looking at the views and experiences of being a tenant using an in depth ongoing survey of residential tenants.

Women are more decisive than men when choosing a property, show the latest results of the survey which the letting agency Leaders say is the first of it's kind in the industry.

On average women view an average of 4 properties compared with men’s average of 5.3. Couples – whether married or living together - viewed more properties - 5 on average - than single people who viewed an average of 4.

Younger age groups viewed less properties than older ones, with 18 to 40 year olds viewing an average of 4 properties and the over 40’s an average of 6. There was virtually no difference in the number of viewings between those with children and those without, averaging at 4.8 and 4.9 respectively. Students were overall the quickest at finding a property, viewing just 3 on average before choosing the one they currently live in.

Almost half (46%) of tenants viewed no more than 3 properties before choosing the one they currently live in. A significant number (12%) chose the first property they saw without viewing any others.

Viewing figures tended to be higher, for example ten or more, when people were looking for an unrealistic combination of features, such as properties with high quality fixtures and fittings in good locations but for low rents. The most common concerns tenants had in choosing their property were location; parking; quality fixtures and fittings; large rooms and whether it was available furnished or unfurnished.

Said Leaders’ Joint Managing Director, Paul Weller: “Our survey makes fascinating reading for all in the industry and helps us understand our tenants better. It is interesting to note the average of 4 viewings per tenant as this shows we are providing our tenants with a reasonable selection of properties in their price range so that they can make comparisons and be confident in their final choice."

"However, the fact that they are viewing only a handful shows that we are listening to what they want and showing them only those properties that match their criteria, thereby saving them time, effort and frustration.”

The survey also found that, after moving into their newly rented property, 40% of tenants said they would not change anything about the property they chose, and of those who said they would change something, most mentioned minor changes, for example, to change the position of the intercom buzzer or to install an extra TV point.

The most common change people mentioned was decorative, for example, the colour of the walls, carpets or furniture. Landlords should take note and always decorate their property as neutrally as possible, in light colours such as white, cream or ivory, and keep patterns and bright colours to a minimum to avoid clashing with prospective tenant’s tastes.