Letting a property yourself often works smoothly when you know your tenants well and stay on top of day-to-day tasks. But from 27 December 2025, self-managing landlords will need to be more organised, as the first enforcement powers of the Renters’ Rights Act allow councils to request tenancy records.
These powers enable local councils to assess how a landlord has fulfilled their legal responsibilities over the previous 12 months. For those managing without an agent, it means ensuring that every essential document is complete, up-to-date, and easily accessible if requested.
Whitegates is helping landlords prepare early so these changes never become a source of pressure.
What local councils will be able to review?
When the new rules begin, local councils may request key records linked to any tenancy you have managed in the past year. These may include:
• Tenancy Agreements
• Deposit Protection And Prescribed Information
• Right To Rent Check Records
• Gas Safety Certificates
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
• Epcs
• Repair And Maintenance Logs
• Legal Notices
• Any Required Licensing Documentation
Providing these quickly is straightforward when everything is stored neatly in one place. It becomes much harder when paperwork is scattered across devices, folders or old emails.
Why organised paperwork matters more than ever for self-managing landlords
Under the new powers, being organised is important to reduce potential compliance issues. If a certificate is missing, councils may ask for additional information, though this does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.
This does not mean you have done anything wrong. It simply reflects the greater emphasis on documented compliance that the Renters’ Rights Act introduces. Ensuring everything is accurate and accessible will reduce stress later.
How the December rush can quietly create compliance risks
December is always one of the busiest times of the year for landlords. Winter maintenance, holiday closures, renewals and general end-of-year pressures make it easy to postpone paperwork.
This year, delaying it until January could increase pressure, as the new powers mean councils may request documentation once the legislation is active. Because the new enforcement powers begin before the new year, any incomplete documents or missing records may already be overdue at a time when councils can legally request them.
Taking a little time now to get organised helps you avoid a sudden scramble once the legislation is active.
How a fully managed service removes the pressure of compliance
With the expectations on documentation rising, many self-managing landlords are choosing the reassurance of Whitegates’ fully managed service.
With Whitegates fully managing your property, you benefit from:
• Complete, Well-Organised Records
• Monitored Certificate Dates And Renewal Deadlines
• Securely Stored Documents Ready For Inspection
• Support With Any Requests From Local Councils
• Ongoing Guidance As Legislation Changes
It takes the pressure off your shoulders and ensures your property is in safe hands as compliance becomes more detailed.
Getting ready now for the changes coming on 27 December 2025
The introduction of these enforcement powers marks a significant point for anyone who manages their own rental property. Preparing ahead of time means you start the new year organised, supported, and fully aligned with the legislation.
Speak to your local Whitegates branch to make sure you have everything in place before the Renters’ Rights Act powers begin on 27 December 2025.
