Is It Better to Manage My Rental Property Myself or Use an Estate Agent?

Managing a Rental Property Yourself

Self-managing your property gives you full control. You will choose your own tenants, organise repairs personally and keep all ongoing management fees. For some landlords, especially those with just one nearby property, this can feel straightforward and rewarding.

Pros of Managing Yourself

• Full control over who lives in your property and how it's maintained
• No management fees - you keep more of the rental income
• Direct communication with tenants can build strong relationships
• Flexible decision-making - no waiting for approval or third-party involvement

Cons of Managing Yourself

• Time-consuming - dealing with viewings, maintenance, inspections and admin
• Legal responsibilities such as safety certificates, deposits and compliance can be overwhelming
• Tenant issues (arrears, disputes, emergencies) require knowledge and confidence to handle correctly
• Risk of costly mistakes if regulations are misunderstood - landlord law changes frequently

Using an Estate Agent to Manage Your Rental

An experienced lettings agent handles every aspect of tenant management, legal compliance and property care. This is especially valuable if you live remotely, lack time, or want peace of mind knowing everything is handled professionally.

Pros of Using an Estate Agent

• Legal compliance taken care of - from tenancy agreements to safety checks and deposit protection
• Professional tenant sourcing with full referencing and credit checks
• 24/7 maintenance reporting and access to vetted tradespeople
• Reduced void periods thanks to marketing expertise and strong applicant networks
• Support with rent collection and arrears management
• Less stress - everything handled on your behalf

Cons of Using an Estate Agent

• Management fees - although often tax-deductible
• Less hands-on control if you prefer to manage every detail personally

So, Which Option Is Better?

If you have plenty of time, live near the property and feel confident navigating legal requirements, self-management may suit you well. However, for most landlords, especially those with busy careers, multiple properties, or limited knowledge of legal compliance, working with a professional estate agent provides reassurance and long-term financial protection.

Put simply: An estate agent reduces stress, minimises risk and often maximises rental income by avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary voids.

Letting a property is a business - one that involves complex laws, serious responsibilities and real-world risks. A trusted estate agent ensures your investment is protected, your tenants are well looked after, and your rental income remains secure.

Professional management isn't just an option - for many landlords, it's the smartest investment they can make.