English Private Landlord Survey (EPLS)

The English Private Landlord Survey (EPLS) is a large, nationally representative survey of private landlords and letting agents in England, commissioned by the government (currently DLUHC). It collects detailed information on who landlords are, what kinds of properties they let, how they manage them, and how policy and legal changes affect their decisions.

From a landlord’s perspective, the EPLS matters because it shapes how ministers, civil servants and regulators understand the private rented sector (PRS). Findings feed directly into reforms such as the Renters’ Rights Act and related tax, standards and enforcement policies. For example, recent survey waves have highlighted the dominance of small landlords, pressures from costs and regulation, and how landlords respond to new rules on deposits, energy efficiency and eviction.

Individual landlords are usually invited to take part via letters or emails and answer questions online or by phone. Participation is voluntary, but responses are anonymised and combined to produce official statistics. As the Renters’ Rights Act beds in, the EPLS is a key way for responsible landlords to ensure their experiences, challenges and investment plans are reflected in future housing policy.

Also see: The English Private Landlord Survey 2024: main report