Letting and managing agents could see growing demand for professional management as landlords struggle with the increasing regulatory burden of running rental portfolios.
Almost three-quarters (74%) of self-managing portfolio landlords say managing their properties has become harder over the past three years.
More than half (57%) say recent regulatory changes have made them reconsider whether they want to continue managing properties themselves.
The findings come as landlords adjust to changes under the Renters’ Rights Act and prepare for further regulatory requirements.
Research commissioned by Rushbrook found compliance and legislation now causes landlords the most stress.
Some 41% identified it as their biggest pressure. That puts compliance ahead of maintenance and repairs at 20%, changes between tenancies at 11% and tenant communication at 10%.
The findings could present an opportunity for letting and managing agents as landlords reassess the practicalities of self-management.
Landlords spending more than 30 hours a month on management
Maintenance, rather than compliance, consumes the most time.
More than half of landlords (52%) identified repairs and maintenance as the most time-consuming part of managing their portfolios.
Meanwhile, 68% spend at least 31 hours a month managing their rental properties. A further 17% spend between 21 and 30 hours.
The workload also appears to affect how quickly landlords deal with repairs.
More than three-quarters (77%) said they regularly delay non-urgent maintenance because they lack the time to arrange it.
The survey focused on landlords with relatively substantial portfolios. Some 62% owned six or more rental properties, while 36% had at least 11.
Compliance could drive landlords towards agents
When asked why they might consider professional property management, 26% cited keeping on top of legislation and compliance.
Saving time followed at 21%, while 15% identified reducing stress.
Dealing with tenants accounted for 11%, while 9% pointed to managing maintenance and repairs.
Roma Sharma, managing director of Rushbrook, said: “Managing a rental portfolio has always required time and expertise, but the legislative landscape has become considerably more demanding and the Renters’ Rights Act has only increased the focus on getting things right.
“What’s interesting is that landlords aren’t simply telling us regulation is stressful; for many it’s making them reconsider whether self-management remains the right approach.
“When you’re juggling multiple properties, keeping on top of compliance alongside maintenance, tenants and the day-to-day running of a portfolio is a substantial undertaking.”
She added: “Professional management isn’t about landlords relinquishing control of their investments. It’s about having the expertise and infrastructure around them to ensure their portfolios continue to be managed properly as the demands placed on them evolve.”
Rushbrook commissioned the survey of 525 self-managing landlords through FindOutNow. The research was conducted on 8 September 2026.
