Three-quarters of portfolio landlords say managing their rentals has become harder in recent years, with growing regulatory complexity under the Renters' Rights Act prompting many to question whether self-management remains viable.
The findings come from research commissioned by residential property management firm Rushbrook, which surveyed landlords who currently manage their own portfolios. The study examined where the greatest pressures on self-managers lie, how much time portfolio management demands, and whether recent regulatory changes are shifting attitudes. Of those surveyed, 62% own six or more rental properties, including 36% with portfolios of 11 or more.
Legislative pressure and the compliance burden
74% of respondents said that managing their rental portfolios had become harder over the last three years. The Renters' Rights Act appears to be a significant factor in that shift: 57% of self-managing landlords said recent regulatory changes had made them reconsider whether to continue managing their properties themselves.
Compliance and legislation is now the single biggest source of stress for self-managing portfolio landlords, cited by 41% of respondents. Maintenance and repairs rank second at 20%, followed by managing changes between tenancies at 11% and tenant communication at 10%.
Time demands and maintenance delays
While compliance generates the most stress, it is maintenance and repairs that consume the most time. 52% of those surveyed identified it as the most time-consuming aspect of running their portfolio. Overall, 68% of self-managing landlords report spending 31 hours or more each month on their properties, with a further 17% spending between 21 and 30 hours.
That time pressure has practical consequences. 77% of self-managing landlords say they regularly delay non-urgent maintenance because they cannot find the time to arrange it.
What would prompt a switch to professional management
When asked what would most likely lead them to use a professional property management service, keeping on top of legislation and compliance ranked first, cited by 26% of landlords. Saving time came second at 21%, followed by reducing stress at 15%, dealing with tenants at 11% and managing maintenance and repairs at 9%.
"Managing a rental portfolio has always required time and expertise, but the legislative landscape has become considerably more demanding, and the Renters' Rights Act has only increased the focus on getting things right," said Roma Sharma, managing director of Rushbrook.
"What's interesting is that landlords aren't simply telling us regulation is stressful; for many it's making them reconsider whether self-management remains the right approach. When you're juggling multiple properties, keeping on top of compliance alongside maintenance, tenants and the day-to-day running of a portfolio is a substantial undertaking.
"Professional management isn't about landlords relinquishing control of their investments. It's about having the expertise and infrastructure around them to ensure their portfolios continue to be managed properly as the demands placed on them evolve."
