Finding the right place to rent can be tough as it is – so what if something as simple as your gender turned out to be a deciding factor in whether you get the keys to your ideal new pad?

According to new survey data from online lettings agent Upad, more than half of UK landlords care about their tenants’ gender.

Of 885 landlords asked in a recent survey, 57.4 per cent said that sex was a genuine concern when choosing a tenant.

It would seem that, like it or not, a person’s sex can be a deciding factor on whether they make the cut, even when it comes to something like renting.

When asked ‘who makes the best tenants?’ it seems that gender stereotypes still apply, with one landlord explaining: “Men make better tenants. They can (usually) change light bulbs, they know how the central heating works and they’re more likely to carry out minor repairs than women.

“Men are more easy-going and take care of the small things. Generally, they just want a roof over their heads."

Meanwhile, speaking in favour of female tenants, one landlord said: “On average, females are tidier, which means less maintenance. Females also seem to like their outside space being picturesque and generally do more in the garden – cutting the lawn and keeping it tidy.

“Females are also more in control of finances than males – I find I get on time payments from female tenants, and they are also more likely to stay put.”

It seems that the majority of landlords have a gender preference, with the stereotypes about men being good at maintenance and women being clean and tidy still very much in association. However, what’s even more interesting is the fact that while men and women can be penalised for different reasons, singletons are even more in the firing line.

Many landlords in the survey said that they were in favour of couples, who can both fulfil certain roles within the home.

So for any potential tenants, be advised that showing off your versatility and cleanliness, no matter what your gender, could be a big boon when trying to get your foot in the door.