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The Renters’ Rights Changes: Are Landlords Prepared for 1st May?

Mon 30 Mar 2026



With 1st May fast approaching, the question for many of our landlords is no longer what is changing, but how they manage the risk. 

Every notice must be correct, every deadline must be met, every process must be followed properly. 

If not, self-managing landlords risk financial penalties, delays, or being unable to regain possession when needed. This is now specialist, detail driven work that requires consistent professional attention. 

Cost vs. Risk 

Some landlords still choose to self-manage to save on fees. However, the true difference in cost may surprise you as Georgia has been looking into for us:   

Typical annual costs: 

Self-managed: 

  • Rent review: £150 

  • Inspections (2 per year): £170 + mileage 

  • Compliance support: from £90 

  • End of tenancy & deposit handling: starting at £45 per hour 

Fully managed: 

  • Management fee 11% +VAT  

  • Approx. £77 + VAT per month (based on the average rent of £700) 

  • All of the benefits below included 

For a relatively modest difference, not to mention the savings on making tax digital you move from managing this risk yourself to having a professional team handle it on your behalf and take on the full liability.    

With potential fines of up to £40,000 in some cases, many landlords are asking, is it worth the risk? 

Peace of mind: 

With Masons fully managed service, you are not just paying for inspections. 

You benefit from: 

  • A qualified professional team ensuring ALL processes are impeccable  

  • Ongoing management of ALL tenant communication and day to day issues  

  • Coordination of ALL maintenance, contractors and safety requirements 

  • Regular inspections and rent reviews 

  • Monthly rental income paid directly to your account 

  • Full digital statements saving on accountants' fees 

  • A yearly annual income report to streamline tax assessments 

Quite simply, choosing our fully managed service removes the day to day pressure and significantly reduces the risk of costly mistakes. 

For landlords who have asked about ongoing support: 

Firstly, let me say how much we value you as a client and we will always try to help and support you, but with all these changes, from 1st May, we will no longer be able to provide compliance advice without full management of the property.  
 
The risk of partial guidance is simply too high. 

The good news is that if you would like to find how our full management service would benefit you, then Robin and I are on hand to discuss this with you before the deadline.   

Please call 01507 350500 (Option 2) for an obligation-free quotation. 

As always, we are here to help. 

Kind regards, 

Wendy Taylor 
Head of Residential Lettings 

Platinum Award for Customer Service 2023, 2024, 2025 
Exceptional Service Award - one of only 30 companies UK-wide