Let’s not get stressed. 5 tips for new landlords

5 tips for new landlords

Property is a stable investment, but that’s not to say it’s hassle-free. After you’ve found tenants, you’re responsible for organising boiler repairs and handling broken appliances. And then there’s legislation.

To minimise stress and maximise your peace of mind, prep is key. This 5-step guide will walk you through our best stress-free letting tips.

Look beyond income.

A high salary doesn’t guarantee a smooth tenancy. What matters is stability. Steady employment, reliable references, local ties. Someone with a steady job history and a strong record of paying rent on time could be a safer choice.

Top tip: Always reference properly. Credit and legal checks, employment references, and previous rental history. Skipping this step is where arrears begin.

Prioritise energy efficiency.

Tenants are willing to spend £50-£100 more per month on homes that save them money on bills. High EPC ratings don't just command better rents. They'll keep tenants for longer and reduce costly voids.

Quick wins: switch to LED lighting, add a smart thermostat, insulate lofts and walls, or install EV charging where possible.

Maintain maintenance.

Good tenants don't stay in badly kept homes. Fixing issues quickly helps retention. And possible conflict.

Put together a maintenance plan. Start with annual checks: boilers, smoke alarms, gas safety. Preventive care costs less than a last-minute callout. Then build a trusted list of local contractors who deliver properly. This saves you from running through a trade directory at 9 pm on a Sunday.

Top tip: Set aside a monthly maintenance fund. It smooths the bumps and keeps you covered when something urgent breaks.

Compliance = confidence.

Familiarise yourself with landlord obligations. Miss an EPC or skip a gas check, and you could land in hot water. Regulations shift. Just look at the Renters' Rights Act. Professional bodies like ARLA Propertymark, and the National Residential Landlord Association (NRLA) publish training and updates.

Top Tip: With the Renters’ Rights Act and regular legal changes, follow letting agent social media accounts for updates. Create a Google alert for ‘UK landlord responsibilities’ to help stay ahead of the curve.

More peace. Less paperwork.

Imagine not chasing repairs, worrying about compliance or vetting tenants. That’s what professional management delivers. No stress. No guesswork. Just peace of mind.

Our ARLA-qualified property managers handle over 150 pieces of lettings legislation. They’ve got vetted contractors on call and a 24/7 helpline for tenants. They’ll take care of rent collection and inspections. Choose from two different management levels.

Ready to Let Without the Stress?

If you’d rather not juggle repairs, chase paperwork or keep up with ever-changing legislation, our fully managed service is designed to take the pressure off.

Our ARLA-qualified property managers handle everything for you — from tenant referencing and rent collection to inspections, maintenance and compliance across more than 150 pieces of lettings legislation. We work with vetted local contractors and offer a 24/7 tenant helpline, so issues are dealt with quickly and professionally, without disrupting your day.

With two management levels available, you can choose the right balance of support and control, while we protect your income and your investment.

Thinking about letting?

Book a rental valuation and we’ll give you an accurate figure based on live local data — and talk you through whether our managed service is right for you.