Self-managing a rental home can feel straightforward when you know your property and your tenants well, and your paperwork is in order. Many landlords take a practical, hands-on approach, dealing with tasks as they arise and keeping essential documents together.
However, with the next stage of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now in force, it is more important than ever to ensure your records are clear, accurate and easy to access.
Local councils now have stronger powers to request evidence that landlords have met their legal obligations over the previous 12 months. This means local councils may ask to see key compliance documentation at short notice, and landlords must be able to provide it quickly when required.
Country Properties is here to help landlords prepare calmly and confidently under the updated requirements.
What information can local councils now request
Local councils can now request key compliance documents linked to any tenancy you have been involved with in the previous 12 months. These may include:
- Tenancy agreements
- Deposit protection certificates and prescribed information
- Right to Rent check records
- Gas safety certificates
- Electrical installation condition reports (EICRs)
- EPCs
- Repair and maintenance history
- Legal notices
- Any required licensing documentation
If every item is well organised and up to date, responding is straightforward. If papers or digital files are scattered across emails, devices or folders, it becomes much harder to provide what is needed.
Why these changes matter for landlords who self-manage
Looking after a rental property yourself means overseeing every compliance requirement personally. Under the new rules now in force, this includes being able to show a clear, well-kept record of how your responsibilities have been met.
If documentation is missing, incomplete or difficult to access quickly, local councils may need to follow up with additional queries. The updated rules place stronger emphasis on consistent, accurate, and easily retrievable record-keeping.
How Country Properties’ fully managed service helps landlords stay protected
Country Properties has supported landlords with thoughtful, reliable and well-structured property management. As compliance becomes more detailed, our fully managed service provides reassurance that the essentials are being handled correctly and consistently.
With Country Properties managing your tenancy, you receive:
- Fully organised and securely stored documentation
- Proactive monitoring of renewal dates and safety requirements
- Clear evidence trails for safety checks, repairs and certificates
- Support with any council information requests
- Ongoing guidance as legislation evolves
It reduces the risk of missing important details and helps keep your tenancy fully compliant throughout the year.
What to do now that the new rules are in force
The changes introduced on 27 December 2025 represent a significant step in how landlords must demonstrate their compliance responsibilities. Preparing now helps you avoid pressure and keep everything in good order.
Speak to your local Country Properties branch to ensure you have the right systems, support and documentation in place now that the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act is in force.
