We are now one month into Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act, and by this point, most landlords will have heard the headline changes.
\nAll important, of course, but this piece is not here to repeat the rules again.
\nBecause now the Act is actually here, the real conversation for landlords is becoming much more practical.
\nThat is where regular property inspections become much more than a tick-box exercise.
\nThe word “inspection” can make it sound like someone is turning up to look for problems. But a good property visit should never feel like that. It should be a check-in. A chance to see how the property is being looked after, yes, but also a chance to understand how the tenant is finding the home.
\nBecause the truth is, tenants are not property experts. Nor should they be.
\nSomething that looks like a small mark on a wall, a little bit of mould around a window or a minor drip under a sink might not feel urgent to them. They may not want to make a fuss. They may assume it is normal. They may simply not realise that it could turn into something much bigger. But as agents, we see those things differently.
\nWe know when a small issue could become a costly one. We know when something needs monitoring. We know when a repair should be dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem for both landlord and tenant.
\nThat is the value of staying close to the tenancy.
\nOne of the biggest talking points for landlords has been around rent increases.
\nUnder the Renters’ Rights Act, rent can only be increased once a year using the correct Section 13 process. For many landlords, that will not feel dramatically different, because annual rent reviews are usually what we would recommend anyway. But there is another layer to this.
\nTenants can challenge a proposed rent increase at the First-tier Tribunal if they believe it is above market level. So, yes, the increase needs to be fair, justified and in line with the market. This is where the relationship matters massively.
\nIf a tenant feels listened to, if repairs are handled properly, if communication is clear and if they can see that the property is being looked after, they are far more likely to understand a reasonable rent increase when it comes.
\nIf they feel ignored, if things keep breaking, if maintenance has dragged on or if they feel like no one has really checked in, they are naturally going to be less receptive to being asked to pay more.
\nThat is why inspections matter. Not because they guarantee a tenant will agree with everything, but because they help create the kind of tenancy where conversations are easier, issues are dealt with earlier and trust has not been left to disappear.
\nWith Section 21 removed, landlords now need to rely on the correct Section 8 grounds if they need possession of their property. That makes record-keeping even more important.
\nRegular inspections help build a clear picture of the tenancy over time. Not just at the beginning. Not just at the end. But throughout. That might include property condition, photographs, maintenance notes, tenant communication, reported concerns, garden upkeep, signs of damage or anything that may need further action.
\nHopefully, you never need to rely on those records. But if you do, they matter.
\nBecause in this new rental landscape, landlords need more than a rough memory of what happened six months ago. They need clear, consistent evidence.
\nA lot of costly property problems start quietly.
\nNone of these things are unusual in rented homes. But when they are missed or left for too long, they can become much more expensive and much more stressful.
\nRegular inspections help pick those things up early.
\nThey also help tenants feel more comfortable raising concerns. Sometimes a tenant will mention something during a visit that they would never have taken the time to email about. Not because they are being difficult, but because they did not think it was important enough. That small conversation can save a landlord a much bigger repair later.
\nThis is the point that matters most. It is about the relationship sitting behind the tenancy.
\nThat is what good property management should do. It should protect the asset, but it should also protect the relationship that keeps the tenancy working.
\nAt DA, our property management service is built around regular communication, careful oversight and clear reporting.
\nOur managed landlords benefit from scheduled property visits, detailed notes and practical updates, so they have a much clearer view of how their property is being looked after throughout the tenancy.
\nIt means small issues can be spotted earlier. Tenants have a clear line of communication. Maintenance can be handled with more context. And if a landlord ever does need to rely on formal action, the history of the tenancy is much better documented.
\nIf you are a landlord and would like to understand how our property management team can support you under the Renters’ Rights Act, get in touch with our property management team. We would be happy to talk you through what good management looks like now, and where your current tenancy may need a closer eye.
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