Most portfolio landlords say their work has become harder in recent years, mostly thanks to the Renters Rights Act. 

Rushbrook commissioned a survey of 525 landlords who manage their own portfolios.

Of those surveyed, 62% own six or more rental properties, including 36% with portfolios of 11 or more. 

The research suggests that the increasingly complex regulatory landscape, particularly the recent Act, is starting to influence how landlords approach the management of their portfolios.

Some 74% admit self-managing their rental portfolios has become harder and 57% say they’re reconsidering whether they want to continue managing their properties themselves.

While compliance causes the greatest stress, it’s maintenance and repairs that place the greatest demand on landlords’ time, with 52% identifying this as the most time-consuming aspect of managing their portfolio.

Some 68% of self-managing landlords report spending 31 hours or more each month managing their rental properties, while a further 17% spend between 21 and 30 hours.

The pressure this creates is also having a practical impact, with 77% saying they regularly delay dealing with non-urgent maintenance issues because they don’t have the time to arrange them.

When asked for the primary reason they would consider using agents, keeping on top of legislation and compliance ranks first, cited by 26% of landlords.

Saving time ranks second at 21%, followed by reducing stress at 15%, dealing with tenants at 11% and managing maintenance and repairs at 9%.