More landlords consider agents due to Renters Rights Act challenges

More landlords consider agents due to Renters Rights Act challenges

A recent survey reveals a growing number of self-managing landlords are contemplating instructing letting agents as regulatory demands and compliance pressures increase under the Renters Rights Act.

Most portfolio landlords report that managing their properties has become more difficult in recent years, largely due to the complexities introduced by the Renters Rights Act. This has led many to reconsider whether they want to continue self-managing or seek professional assistance.

The research, commissioned by Rushbrook and involving 525 landlords who manage their own portfolios, highlights significant time and stress burdens linked to compliance, maintenance, and repairs. These factors are driving landlords towards letting agents to help manage these challenges more effectively.

Survey findings on landlord management burdens

The Rushbrook survey focused on landlords with multiple properties, with 62% owning six or more rental units and 36% managing 11 or more. Among these experienced landlords, 74% reported that self-management has become harder, and 57% are reconsidering their approach to managing their portfolios.

Compliance with legislation was identified as the top source of stress, while maintenance and repairs consumed the most time. Over half (52%) of landlords said maintenance demands were the most time-consuming aspect of their management duties.

Time commitment is substantial: 68% of respondents spend 31 hours or more per month on management tasks, and another 17% dedicate between 21 and 30 hours. This workload often leads to delays in non-urgent maintenance, with 77% admitting they regularly postpone such tasks due to time constraints.

When asked why they might consider using letting agents, 26% cited keeping up with legislation and compliance as the primary reason. Saving time was the second most common reason at 21%, followed by reducing stress (15%), tenant management (11%), and handling maintenance and repairs (9%).

Regulatory complexity and its impact on landlords

The Renters Rights Act has introduced new compliance obligations that have increased the administrative and legal complexity for landlords. This legislation aims to improve tenant protections but has also raised the bar for landlords in terms of documentation, safety standards, and dispute resolution procedures.

For landlords managing multiple properties, the cumulative effect of these requirements can be overwhelming. The survey’s findings suggest that the Act is a significant factor in landlords’ decisions to seek professional management help, as the risk of non-compliance grows alongside the complexity of regulations.

Maintenance and repair responsibilities remain a major practical challenge. Landlords must ensure properties meet safety and habitability standards, which requires timely inspections, repairs, and record-keeping. The pressure of balancing these duties with compliance demands contributes to the reported stress and time burdens.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords, especially those with larger portfolios, the survey highlights the need to reassess whether self-management remains viable. The time and stress involved in compliance and maintenance may outweigh the cost savings of avoiding agent fees.

Letting agents can expect increased demand from landlords seeking to outsource compliance management, tenant communications, and maintenance coordination. Agents offering expertise in navigating the Renters Rights Act and related regulations will be well positioned to attract clients.

Landlords should carefully consider the trade-offs between self-management and professional services. While agents incur fees, they can reduce risk, ensure compliance, and free landlords’ time, potentially preventing costly legal issues or penalties.

Uncertainties and considerations ahead

Although the Renters Rights Act is a clear driver of change, the full impact of ongoing regulatory developments remains uncertain. Future amendments or additional legislation could further complicate landlord responsibilities.

Landlords should monitor government guidance and sector updates closely to stay informed of compliance requirements. The administrative burden and enforcement landscape may evolve, affecting how landlords manage their portfolios.

Another uncertainty is how the rental market and tenant behaviour will adapt to these changes. Landlords may face new challenges in tenant relations and property management that could influence their decisions on using agents.

What landlords should consider now

• Review current management practices to identify areas where compliance or maintenance is causing delays or stress.
• Assess the time spent on portfolio management and consider whether outsourcing some or all duties to a letting agent could improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Stay updated on Renters Rights Act requirements and other relevant legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Explore letting agents’ services that specialise in compliance and maintenance management to find suitable support.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance, inspections, communications, and compliance activities to demonstrate due diligence.

Supporting landlords with compliance and management tools

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that includes access to compliance resources and practical information tailored for landlords managing rental properties. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing and aims to assist landlords and letting agents in organising portfolios, managing rental documents, and keeping track of regulatory obligations.

ORBIT’s features in testing include tools for recording repairs, inspections, and communications, helping landlords maintain evidence of compliance activity. This can be particularly useful for landlords facing the increased demands of the Renters Rights Act and related regulations.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with structured support to manage the complexities of modern rental property management, potentially easing the administrative burden and helping to avoid costly mistakes.

As regulatory pressures continue to shape landlord behaviour, practical tools and expert guidance become increasingly valuable for maintaining compliant and efficient portfolios.

Sources: Letting Agent Today