Being a landlord in Bristol, Bath or South Gloucestershire has never been more demanding. Compliance has tightened, penalties have increased, and tenants are more informed than ever before. Managing a property yourself can save money in the short term – but many landlords tell us it costs them far more in stress, time and unexpected fines over the long run.

At Personal Economy Lettings, we meet self-managing landlords regularly who say the same thing:
“I didn’t realise how much I wasn’t being told.”

If you’re managing your own tenancy, here are the five most common – and costly – mistakes we see, and how our LettingsPA service gives you the professional support you need while allowing you to stay in control.

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1. Not keeping up with changing legislation

From the Renters’ Rights Act to electrical safety rules and dozens of local licensing schemes, the legal landscape moves quickly. A small oversight – the wrong clause in a tenancy agreement, a missed safety check, a deposit issue – can lead to:

• Rent Repayment Orders

• Civil penalties of up to £30,000

• Invalid notices

• Delayed possession when you need it most

Most landlords don’t ignore the rules intentionally. They simply don’t have the time to monitor every update.

“Compliance isn’t optional anymore – and most landlords are closer to a breach than they think. With LettingsPA, we take that pressure away so you’re never exposed without realising it.” — Lisa Bailey, Residential Lettings Manager

LettingsPA gives you compliant templates, reminders, and legal safeguards so you never fall behind.

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2. Selecting tenants without robust, modern referencing

Traditional referencing systems weren’t built for 2025. With AI-generated payslips and increasingly sophisticated document fraud, many self-managing landlords unknowingly approve applicants who shouldn’t pass basic checks.

Once a tenant is in, removing them legally – especially under new legislation – can take months and cost thousands.

LettingsPA uses the same advanced tenant-screening process we use for fully managed properties, identifying falsified documents, cross-checking income, and verifying digital identity at a much deeper level than standard referencing.

It’s not about being suspicious – it’s about being safe.

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3. Handling maintenance reactively, not proactively

A small leak becomes a large insurance claim.
A missed boiler service becomes a non-compliance issue.
A delay in fixing a hazard can become a tenant compensation claim.

Self-managing landlords often rely on individual tradespeople, which means delays, inconsistent prices, and limited availability.

With LettingsPA, you get access to our vetted, insured, and responsive trade network, plus guidance on what needs fixing now and what can wait. We don’t take over management – but we do make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

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4. Forgetting key deadlines and documentation

Tenancies today involve dozens of time-sensitive documents:

• Deposit protection within 30 days

• Prescribed information

• Up-to-date How to Rent guide

• Annual gas safety

• Five-yearly electrical checks

• Legionella guidance

• Right to Rent documentation

• EPC requirements

Miss one, and it can invalidate your Section 8 or Section 21 process, delay possession, or leave you liable for compensation.

LettingsPA operates as your professional compliance partner – keeping your paperwork right, your dates logged, and your legal position protected. You’re still the landlord; we simply act as your back-office team.

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5. Underestimating the time commitment

Many landlords start with the best intentions:
“I live nearby, I can manage it myself.”
“I’ll save the monthly fee.”
“I only have one property, it won’t take much time.”

But when issues arise – rent arrears, disputes, inspections, maintenance, renewals – property management quickly becomes a second job.

We see burnout often. We also see landlords who mean well, but unintentionally create problems by trying to handle everything alone.

LettingsPA is designed specifically for this group. It’s not a full management service – it’s a professional support system behind you, giving you the protection, knowledge, and structure that self-management requires.

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The difference LettingsPA makes

Self-managing doesn’t have to mean being alone. LettingsPA gives you:

• Professional tenancy setup

• Legally compliant documentation

• Advanced tenant referencing

• Access to trusted contractors

• Ongoing compliance monitoring

• Rent arrears guidance

• Notice and possession support

• A dedicated point of contact for advice

You still control your tenancy. We simply make sure you do it safely, confidently, and without sleepless nights.

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Final thought

Most landlords don’t realise how exposed they are until something goes wrong.

If you want to stay hands-on but protected – with the reassurance of an experienced lettings team behind you – LettingsPA is built exactly for you.

Book a Clarity Call today and see whether self-managing with professional support is the smarter way forward.

https://personaleconomypartners.com/landing/book-a-clarity-call 

 

 

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