Managing a rental property yourself means staying on top of a range of responsibilities, from setting the rent and finding the right tenant to arranging repairs when needed. With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now in place, there are additional requirements to consider, making it even more valuable to stay informed and understand how your landlord obligations are evolving.
Since 1 May 2026, landlords with assured tenancies have been following new rules, including the end of Section 21, periodic tenancies and a revised rent increase process. With further reforms being introduced, there is more to keep track of when managing a property yourself.
Related: Pet-friendly tenancies: How the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changes the rules for landlords
Keeping up with changing landlord responsibilities
Self-managing a property means keeping up with changing rules alongside everyday responsibilities. Even experienced landlords can find that new requirements add extra time and complexity.
Some key areas to stay on top of include:
- Notices: Using the correct form and information helps avoid delays.
- Deposit protection: Deposits must be protected within 30 days, with the prescribed information provided to the tenant.
- Rent increases: Following the correct process and notice requirements helps ensure increases are valid.
- Repairs: Responding promptly can help prevent minor issues from becoming bigger concerns.
Landlords also need to provide tenants with the required Renters’ Rights Act information and keep clear records throughout the tenancy. Thorough referencing and good documentation can make managing a tenancy smoother and provide reassurance if questions arise later.
Additional considerations for HMO landlords
If you let an HMO property, there are additional responsibilities to consider, including licensing conditions, fire safety checks and room size requirements. Keeping on top of these alongside wider tenancy rules can add extra time and complexity to self-management.
Staying on top of ongoing compliance
Compliance is an ongoing part of managing a rental property, with requirements such as gas and electrical safety checks, deposit protection and Right to Rent checks all needing attention at different times. While each is manageable, keeping track of everything alongside other commitments can take time, which is where support from a local agent can help.
Related: Reducing Ombudsman risk: why tenancy set-up matters more than ever
Understanding your compliance responsibilities
Statutory guidance outlines the penalties that can apply where requirements are not met, including civil penalties up to £7,000 for certain breaches and up to £40,000 for certain offences. Staying informed and keeping clear records can help landlords manage these responsibilities with confidence.
Getting the possession process right
Possession claims also involve specific notice and paperwork requirements. Following the correct process can help avoid unnecessary delays and costs, making it easier to regain possession when needed.
Keeping your tenancy records organised
Good record keeping can make compliance and tenant queries much easier to manage. Keeping certificates, deposit paperwork and correspondence organised provides a clear history of the tenancy and makes important information easy to access when needed.
Reviewing your self-management approach
Managing a property yourself can work well, but changing rules and responsibilities mean it is worth reviewing your approach regularly. Checking that your paperwork, key dates and tenancy processes are up to date can help everything run smoothly. It can also highlight areas where support from a local letting agent could save time and make management simpler.
See how your self-management approach measures up
Hunters’ two-minute landlord quiz is a quick way to review how you manage your property. Answer a few questions about your tenancy, paperwork and property type to see which areas you are confident in and where you may benefit from extra support.
In just two minutes, you can get a clearer picture of your current approach and identify any areas worth reviewing.
Get support while staying in control
With the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act already in place and further changes still to come, there is more for landlords to keep up with. Support from a local letting agent can make it easier to stay informed and manage these responsibilities, while you remain in control of your property and investment.
How a fully managed service can support you
Hunters’ Fully Managed Service can make property management simpler by supporting you with compliance, tenancy documentation, communication and day-to-day management. You remain in control of your property and rental income, while an experienced local team helps you stay on top of changing requirements and everyday responsibilities.
Start with the quiz to see how your current approach measures up. Then, speak to your local Hunters branch to find out how our team can support you and your property.
