Staying Safe Online: A Practical Guide for Landlords & Tenants in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire

Online security isn’t just an IT issue anymore, it affects every part of modern life, including renting and managing property. As more of our essential documents, payments and communication move online, both landlords and tenants are increasingly targeted by digital scams.

With recent online shopping events like Cyber Monday reminding us how much activity now happens digitally, it’s an ideal time to take stock. Staying cyber-safe is no longer optional; it’s a core part of protecting your home, your finances and your peace of mind.

At Personal Economy Lettings, online safety forms part of how we look after the people and properties we manage. Here are six straightforward steps landlords and tenants can take to stay safe online.

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1. Be cautious with emails and unexpected messages

Online criminals often use emails that look genuine at first glance and they’re getting better at it. Whether it's a fake invoice, a supposed rent update, or a request for ID, even a convincing message can be fraudulent.

Always check:

• The sender address

• The spelling and formatting

• Whether the message makes sense

• Whether you were expecting the email at all

If you’re unsure, contact the sender using a known and trusted method. Never click links or attachments until you’ve confirmed they’re safe.

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2. Strengthen your passwords

Weak or repeated passwords are one of the biggest risks for both landlords and tenants. If someone gains access to your email account, they could intercept rent payments, tenancy paperwork, or personal documents.

A strong password should be:

• At least 12 characters

• A mix of letters, numbers and symbols

• Unique to each account

Password management tools are helpful, they reduce the temptation to reuse the same password everywhere.

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3. Use two-factor authentication wherever possible

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step when logging in. Even if someone guesses or steals your password, they still won’t be able to access your account.

Most platforms - from banking to email to online tenancy systems - now offer 2FA. If it’s available, turn it on.

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4. Keep your devices updated

Phones, laptops, tablets each one is a gateway to your personal information. Software updates might feel inconvenient, but they often contain crucial security patches.

If you use your device for:

• Signing tenancy agreements

• Storing documents

• Communicating with your landlord or tenant

• Handling rent payments

…then keeping it updated is part of protecting your home and investment.

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5. Be careful with online payments

Whether you're paying a deposit, receiving rent, or handling contractor invoices, always ensure the payment request is legitimate.

Ask yourself:

• Has the bank detail change been confirmed verbally by someone you know?

• Does the amount look right?

• Is the invoice consistent with previous ones?

If anything looks unusual, pause. One phone call can prevent a costly mistake.

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6. Store important documents securely

Tenancy agreements, ID documents, deposit information and compliance certificates are all sensitive. Keep them stored safely, ideally in secure, backed-up digital folders and never send personal documents via unsecured or unfamiliar links.

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Our perspective

Cyber security can feel intimidating, but most risks can be reduced with simple, consistent habits. As Lisa Bailey, Residential Lettings Manager at Personal Economy Lettings, puts it:

“Landlords and tenants have so much to think about already, staying safe online shouldn’t be another source of worry. With clear processes and a trusted partner, it becomes much more manageable.”

At Personal Economy Lettings, part of our job is making sure the people we support are protected, both offline and online. That’s also why many self-managing landlords choose our Lettings PA service: practical, affordable support that helps keep your compliance, documentation and communication secure and under control.

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**Need support staying compliant and safe?

We’re here to help.**

If you’re a self-managing landlord who wants to stay in control without taking on all the risk and admin yourself, our Lettings PA service can give you peace of mind.

A quick conversation can help you understand what level of support is right for you.

Book a Clarity Call today.

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