Being a landlord is not just about collecting rent. It involves managing people, property, and challenges. If you have dealt with a leaky boiler, got a late-night call from a tenant, or handled a lot of paperwork, you know how challenging it can be.
You are not alone. Recent data shows that about 62% of landlords in England now hire help for at least one management task, like maintenance and tenant checks. They have learned that working smarter, not harder, improves efficiency and profits.
Getting help doesn’t mean losing control. It means saving time, avoiding mistakes, and running your rental business more effectively.
Where should you start? Let’s look at seven key areas where outsourcing can save you time and increase your rental income.
Smart Outsourcing Moves That Save Landlords Time and Money
Here are the seven smart outsourcing moves that save landlords time and money:
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Delegate Tenant Sourcing and Referencing
Finding the right tenant involves both intuition and careful checks. Hiring a lettings agent or property management company ensures your property gets expert marketing. They will screen potential renters and verify their backgrounds. This leads to shorter vacancy times, less risk, and a smoother start to each rental agreement.
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Pass On Rent Collection and Arrears Management
A landlord can have a challenging time when they have to keep asking for late rent. Outsourcing rent collection to a trustworthy service can help. If needed, you will get organised systems, automatic alerts, and legal assistance. This method removes stress and ensures you receive your income steadily.
According to Reposit, the average rent in the UK increased by 22% compared to the previous year, reaching £2,064 in the third quarter of 2024. This amount is much higher than the average five-week cash deposit of £1,347. As a result, landlords often need to cover a gap of about £700 when tenants cannot pay their rent.
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Entrust Property Maintenance and Repairs
Things break when you least expect them, like a boiler stopping or even a pipe leaking. That’s why having a reliable team ready to help quickly is essential. They don’t just fix problems fast and keep your tenants happy; they also protect your property over time. Plus, you won’t have to search for new handypersons whenever something goes wrong. It’s all about having peace of mind.
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Offload Legal Compliance and Safety Certifications
Landlords in the UK have many legal duties, such as getting Gas Safety Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports, Energy Performance Certificates, and testing smoke alarms. Overlooking even one of these requirements can result in hefty fines or problems with insurance. By hiring a compliance specialist, landlords can ensure that they meet all their responsibilities and keep everything up to date.
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Let Professionals Handle Inventory and Inspections
Regular inventories and checks are your best tools for resolving tenant disagreements. When done properly, they straightforwardly account for the property’s condition. Hiring professionals for these tasks reduces potential issues, saves time, and provides clear proof if disputes arise.
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Rely on Experts for Marketing and Photography
Today’s renters want premium property listings. Using professional photos and targeted marketing can attract more interest and allow you to set higher rents. Letting agencies and marketing firms know the best places to advertise, how to present your property effectively, and what today’s tenants want. This gives your listing a better opportunity of standing out.
Recent reports from PropertyBox have found that houses with high-quality photos sell 32% faster. Plus, agents who use professional real estate photography make double the average gross commission compared to those who don’t. This showcases that hiring a professional is not just a time-saver – it can significantly increase your earnings and help you rent out properties more quickly.
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Go Hands-Off with Full Property Management
A full-service management company can help. They handle everything you need, such as finding tenants, ensuring everything is legal, collecting rent, and managing maintenance issues.
Outsourcing full property management can save you countless hours and protect your investment. City Borough Housing offers hands-off solutions for landlords who want peace of mind without sacrificing profitability.
Conclusion
Outsourcing lets you keep control while gaining clarity. By delegating time-consuming or complex tasks, you can focus on what matters: growing your investment and enjoying the rewards.
Start with one area to delegate and notice the difference it makes. Once you see the benefits, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it earlier.
When your rental business runs smoothly, you can too.