Managing a rental property on your own means taking care of everything from repairs and rent collection to referencing and paperwork. With the main tenancy reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act having taken effect on 1 May 2026 in England, it’s a good time to make sure your approach reflects the latest requirements.
When things are running smoothly, managing your property yourself can feel straightforward. However, with updated requirements around areas such as notice periods and documentation, staying informed is important. Understanding the new rules for landlords can help you remain compliant, manage your tenancy with confidence, and continue providing a positive experience for your tenants.
Related: Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Simplified: Expert support from Letting Agents
What changes under the Renters’ Rights Act if you manage your property on your own
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces several important changes for landlords managing their property on their own. Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by assured periodic tenancies, tenants can generally end a tenancy with two months’ notice, and landlords must use the appropriate statutory grounds when seeking possession. Rent increases are generally limited to once a year and require at least two months’ written notice.
There are also updated requirements around tenancy information. New tenancies from 1 May 2026 require specified information about key terms to be provided in writing, while relevant existing tenancies had additional information requirements by 31 May 2026. Maintaining clear records and staying familiar with the latest requirements can help you manage your tenancy confidently and remain compliant.
Staying on top of your responsibilities
Managing a rental property on your own means tracking important tasks such as certificates, inspections, deadlines and tenant communication. Having a clear system in place can make these responsibilities easier to manage alongside your other commitments.
Up-to-date records and responding to important tasks promptly can also help your tenancy run smoothly. A simple, organised approach can give you confidence that you’re meeting your responsibilities and have the right information to hand when you need it.
Access and inspections still need proper notice
Landlords generally need to give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before a routine visit, with access taking place at a reasonable time of day. Exceptions may apply in genuine emergencies or where there is another lawful basis for immediate entry.
Providing proper notice helps maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship and ensures inspections are handled appropriately. It remains an important part of good property management alongside the requirements introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Keeping your essential paperwork up to date
Managing your rental property on your own means keeping track of several compliance requirements and deadlines:
- Deposit protection: Protect deposits within 30 days.
- Gas safety: Arrange checks every 12 months.
- Right to Rent: Complete the required checks.
- EPC: Keep a valid certificate in place.
- HMO licensing: Check local licensing requirements.
Each requirement is manageable, but handling them all alongside the day-to-day demands of a tenancy takes time, organisation and attention to detail.
Related: The biggest compliance mistakes landlords make under new rental laws
Compliance areas that need careful attention
When managing your rental property on your own, some requirements need particularly close attention. The Renters’ Rights Act gives local authorities wider enforcement powers, making it important to understand your responsibilities and keep accurate records.
Common areas to keep on top of include:
- Following the correct process for rent increases.
- Responding to repairs within appropriate timescales.
- Using the correct grounds and notices when seeking possession.
- Keeping any required HMO licence up to date.
- Protecting deposits within the required timeframe.
Most compliance issues can be avoided with good organisation and a clear understanding of current requirements. Having records of certificates, repairs, notices and tenant communications can also help demonstrate that your responsibilities have been handled correctly.
Where the two-minute quiz comes in
With several requirements to manage, it can be difficult to know whether everything is covered. Lovelle’s two-minute landlord quiz offers a quick way to review key areas, including tenancy paperwork, notice periods and safety certificates.
Lovelle’s two-minute landlord quiz does not replace legal advice, but it can highlight areas that may need a closer look and give you greater confidence in how your tenancy is being managed.
When managing on your own becomes more demanding
Many landlords successfully manage their rental property on their own, but growing responsibilities and changing regulations can make it increasingly time-consuming. Recognising when the demands on your time are increasing can help you decide how best to manage your property.
From arranging safety checks and rent reviews to using the correct notices, there is a lot to coordinate throughout a tenancy. As these responsibilities add up, it is worth considering whether managing everything yourself remains the right approach for you.
More support, less to manage
Lovelle’s Fully Managed Service can take care of key aspects of your tenancy, from compliance and certificates to notices, deadlines and tenant communication. With experienced support in place, you can spend less time managing day-to-day requirements while staying confident that your property is being professionally managed.
Your quiz results are a useful starting point. Speak to Lovelle’s team of estate agents and letting agents to find out how the Fully Managed Service could support you and your rental property.
