Property Management vs Self-Management: Which Is Right for You?
September 10, 2025
New to letting property? Avoid costly mistakes with our guide for first-time landlords. Learn best practices for legal compliance, tenant selection, and property management.
Introduction
Becoming a landlord can be rewarding, but first-time landlords often face unexpected challenges. Small mistakes can quickly turn into financial loss, legal trouble, or tenant disputes.
At Landlo, we help new landlords avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your property is managed efficiently and profitably. This guide highlights the most common mistakes first-time landlords make—and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting Legal Compliance
Many first-time landlords underestimate the legal obligations of letting property. Common oversights include:
- Failing to provide an EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, or How to Rent guide
- Not protecting the tenant deposit in a government-approved scheme
- Ignoring electrical safety regulations (EICR)
How to avoid: Stay informed about current regulations or work with a professional property management company, like Landlo, to ensure full compliance.
2. Underestimating Costs
Rent is income, but it doesn’t cover all expenses. First-time landlords often overlook:
- Mortgage interest
- Insurance premiums
- Maintenance and repairs
- Property management fees
How to avoid: Budget realistically and factor in unexpected costs to ensure your rental remains profitable.
3. Choosing Tenants Too Quickly
Rushing to fill a property can lead to:
- Rent arrears
- Property damage
- Early lease termination
How to avoid: Conduct thorough tenant referencing, including credit checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references.
4. Poor Marketing and Presentation
Properties that aren’t presented well often take longer to let, resulting in void periods:
- Low-quality photos
- Limited property exposure online
- Incomplete property descriptions
How to avoid: Invest in professional photography, create compelling listings, and market across multiple platforms.
5. Failing to Maintain the Property
Neglecting property maintenance can damage your investment and drive tenants away. Common issues include:
- Unresolved repairs
- Outdated appliances or fittings
- Poor garden or communal area upkeep
How to avoid: Schedule regular inspections and address maintenance promptly. A well-maintained property attracts reliable tenants.
6. Ignoring Tenant Relationships
Some first-time landlords focus only on rent collection and neglect tenant communication. This can lead to disputes and early terminations.
How to avoid: Be responsive, communicate clearly, and treat tenants fairly. Strong landlord-tenant relationships encourage long-term occupancy.
7. Not Seeking Professional Help
Many first-time landlords try to manage everything alone, from legal compliance to maintenance coordination. Mistakes are often costly.
How to avoid: Work with a professional property management company like Landlo, which can manage legal compliance, tenant referencing, and day-to-day operations efficiently.
Conclusion
First-time landlords face a steep learning curve, but avoiding common mistakes ensures a smoother, more profitable experience.
At Landlo, we guide new landlords through every step of letting property, from tenant placement to legal compliance and property management.
📩 Contact us today to make sure your first rental experience is a success.
