Not all landlords are the same and neither are their needs, pressures or priorities.
Whether you’ve become a landlord unexpectedly, you prefer to manage things yourself, or you’re building a growing portfolio, the way you operate directly affects how much time you spend, how compliant you are, and ultimately how your property performs.

At Personal Economy Lettings, we support landlords across Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire at every stage. But understanding what type of landlord you are is the best place to start.

Below, we break down our three most common landlord types and what each one needs to stay compliant, confident, and in control.

---

1. The Accidental Landlord

“I didn’t plan this, I just need to make sure everything is done properly.”

Accidental landlords often fall into the role through circumstance, inheriting a property, moving in with a partner, relocating for work, or choosing to rent out a home they couldn’t sell.
You didn't plan to become a landlord, but now you’re responsible for over 170 legal obligations before, during, and after a tenancy.

Common challenges include:

• Not knowing what legal paperwork is mandatory

• Working out which licences apply

• Feeling unsure about compliance or tenant issues

• Balancing rental admin with an already busy life

• Worrying about “getting something wrong”

Accidental landlords typically want peace of mind above everything else. The risk isn’t intentional neglect, it’s simply not knowing what you don’t know.

Lisa Bailey, Residential Lettings Manager at Personal Economy Lettings, puts it simply:
“Accidental landlords often care deeply about their tenants and their property, they just need clear guidance and the reassurance that everything is being done correctly.”

What you need:
A service that handles compliance, inspections, tenant communication, and ongoing management, so you can keep living your life without worrying about missing a legal requirement.

---

2. The Hands-On / Self-Managing Landlord

“I like being involved - I just don’t want the hassle or the unexpected risks.”

This landlord type enjoys being in control. You may handle your own viewings, choose your own tenants, and prefer dealing with issues directly. You want to avoid full management fees, and you’ve built your process around what works for you.

But self-managing comes with realities:

• Renting laws change constantly

• Compliance takes time and attention

• Paperwork builds up fast

• Referencing, safety certificates, and deposit rules are easy to miss

• Small errors lead to big fines, invalid Section 8 notices, or rent repayment orders

• A single oversight can cost more than years’ worth of management fees

It’s not about capability - it’s about capacity.

This is where Lettings PA fits perfectly.

Lettings PA: For landlords who want control without the compliance risks

Lettings PA is our support service for self-managing landlords who want to stay hands-on but not exposed.
You handle the day-to-day. We handle:

• Legal compliance

• Safety reminders and renewals

• Templates, notices, and paperwork

• Deposit registration

• Rent reviews

• Check-in/check-out guidance

• Clear, calm support when issues arise

It keeps you in the driving seat, just with a professional navigating beside you.

As Lisa says:
“Self-managing works brilliantly when landlords have a reliable structure behind them. Lettings PA gives you that structure, without taking control away.”

What you need:
A compliance partner, not a traditional agent, someone who protects you from mistakes while still letting you run things your way.

---

3. The Portfolio Landlord

“I need systems, consistency, and a dependable partner I can trust.”

If you own several properties, or you’re actively acquiring more,  you operate differently.
Your time is limited. Your risk exposure is higher. And keeping track of compliance across multiple properties can quickly become overwhelming.

Portfolio landlords often face:

• A rising admin burden

• Multiple renewal dates

• Growing tenant management

• Increased reporting needs

• Difficulty finding an agent who treats the portfolio professionally

• A need for consistency and clear communication

You don’t just need “someone to manage property”.
You need a strategic property partner who can oversee your entire portfolio with clarity and confidence.

What you need:
Full management with proactive communication, reliable systems, detailed compliance tracking, and a partner who understands long-term investment goals, not just day-to-day maintenance.

---

So… which type are you?

Most landlords fall into one of the three groups above and many move between them as their situations change.
What matters most is ensuring you’re supported in the right way, especially as regulations tighten and the consequences of mistakes become more serious.

---

How Personal Economy Lettings can help

Whether you need full management, portfolio support, or our Lettings PA service for self-managing landlords, we’re here to make lettings simpler, safer, and far less stressful.

If you’re unsure which service suits you best, let’s have a quick Clarity Call.
We’ll guide you without any pressure, just honest, practical advice.

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