## Landlords Invest Significant Time in Property Management

Letting property in the UK is far from a passive income stream, with landlords now spending an average of 31 hours per month managing their rental homes, according to Pegasus Insight’s latest Landlord Trends report. This equates to nearly four full working days dedicated to what the report terms ‘sweat equity’ — the active effort landlords put into maintaining and overseeing their portfolios.

For landlords with larger holdings, particularly those managing 11 or more properties, the time commitment increases sharply to 78 hours monthly, or close to ten working days. This substantial investment of time underscores the operational demands landlords face in today’s rental market.

## Letting Is Not a Passive Activity

Mark Long, founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight, commented on the findings: “There is often a perception that letting property is a relatively passive activity, that landlords just sit back and let the cash roll in. But the data tells a different story. For many landlords, particularly those operating at scale, portfolio management represents a significant monthly time commitment.”

He further explained that rising regulatory and operational requirements have contributed to an increased administrative and compliance workload for landlords. This shift means that managing rental properties now involves more than just collecting rent; it requires ongoing attention to legal obligations and property standards.

## Using Letting Agents Does Not Eliminate Landlord Responsibilities

The report also highlights that employing a letting agent does not significantly reduce the time landlords spend managing their properties. While 57% of rental properties use some form of letting agent service, landlords’ reported time commitments remain broadly similar whether they outsource or manage independently.

Key responsibilities such as compliance, maintenance oversight, and financial administration continue to rest firmly with the landlord. This means that even with professional support, landlords must remain actively involved in the day-to-day running of their properties.

## Greater Complexity for Certain Landlords

Time demands are highest among landlords who are leveraged investors, operate Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), or manage larger portfolios. These groups face additional complexities such as borrowing structures, licensing obligations, and stringent property standards, all of which increase their involvement in property management.

Landlords estimate that between 23% and 24% of their gross rental income is consumed by running and maintenance costs. Mark Long noted: “Larger landlords, those whose properties are financed using a mortgage and those operating HMOs are naturally exposed to greater complexity, and that is reflected in the hours they invest.”

## Professionalism Increasing in the Private Rented Sector

The combination of rising time commitments and ongoing cost pressures indicates a trend towards greater professionalism within the private rented sector. Long added: “The combination of rising time demands, and ongoing cost pressures reinforces the fact that the private rented sector is becoming increasingly professionalised.”

He concluded by emphasising that successful landlords are those who devote both capital and active management effort to sustain the performance of their investments.

## What This Means for UK Landlords

These findings serve as a reminder that letting property requires significant ongoing effort, particularly for those with larger or more complex portfolios. Landlords should be prepared to invest time in compliance, maintenance, and financial management, even when working with letting agents. Understanding the true ‘sweat equity’ involved is crucial for effective portfolio management and long-term success in the private rented sector.

Suggested internal link anchors
– landlord property management
– letting agents
– Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
– portfolio management
– rental income costs
– regulatory compliance
– property maintenance
– leveraged investors
– private rented sector professionalism
– landlord time commitment
– financial administration

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/