New industry research reveals the concerns landlords and tenants are facing across the UK right now, and what they want and need from a property management service. From the Renters' Rights Act to rising tenant expectations, landlords are navigating one of the biggest periods of change the rental sector has seen in years.
Goodlords recent industry research, based on feedback from landlords, tenants and letting agents across the UK, highlights the uncertainty and concerns many landlords are currently facing. While the findings paint a challenging picture, they also reinforce something we've been saying for a long time, having the right support around you has never been more important. Here are some of the key takeaways from the research and what they mean for landlords in the UK.
Are Landlords Getting What They Pay For?
One of the most striking findings from the research is the disconnect between what landlords pay for property management and the value they feel they receive in return. While 68% of landlords use a fully managed service, 59% say high fees and poor value for money are their biggest frustrations. Even more concerning, only 6% describe themselves as being very satisfied with the value they receive from their agent. This suggests that many landlords aren't necessarily looking to move away from property management. They're simply looking for a service that justifies the cost.
We regularly speak to landlords who feel frustrated by poor communication, unclear fees and a lack of proactive support. Often it's not one major issue. It's a collection of smaller frustrations that build up over time. Property management should make life easier, not create more work. That's why our approach focuses on transparency, communication and proactive management. Whether it's regular updates, clear reporting or simply being available when landlords need us, we believe strong relationships are built on trust and consistency.
Value for money also means competitive pricing. At Northern Group, our full property management service is just 7.5% plus VAT, making it one of the most competitive management fees in Manchester. Combined with proactive support, local expertise and hands on management, we believe landlords should feel confident they're receiving genuine value from their agent.
The Admin Challenge and Why Tenant Experience Matters
The research found that administration is now the single biggest operational challenge facing letting agents, with 76% saying admin limits their ability to work effectively. Maintenance management was identified as the biggest drain on agent time, and it's having a direct impact on tenant experience. In fact, 52% of tenants said faster repairs would be the single biggest improvement to their renting experience.
For landlords, this isn't just a tenant satisfaction issue. It directly impacts the performance of your investment. Tenants who feel looked after are more likely to stay longer, renew their tenancy and take pride in the property. That means fewer void periods, lower reletting costs and greater long term stability.
At Northern Group, we've built our property management service around responsiveness. Our in house property management team works hard to ensure maintenance issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently, while keeping both landlords and tenants informed throughout the process.
We also invest in creating a better rental experience through resident events, local partnerships and exclusive resident perks across Manchester. It's all designed to help tenants feel more connected to where they live, encouraging longer and more successful tenancies.
Navigating the Renters' Rights Act
It's no surprise that the Renters' Rights Act remains one of the biggest concerns for landlords. According to the research, 82% of landlords are concerned about the impact of the legislation, while almost half say they are planning to sell or reduce their portfolios within the next 12 months. Only a small percentage intend to grow their portfolios, highlighting the uncertainty many landlords are currently feeling.
The legislation has introduced significant changes across the sector, affecting everything from tenancy structures to possession processes. For many landlords, keeping up with evolving legislation can feel like a full time job in itself.
We've spent months helping landlords understand what these changes mean in practice and how to apply them day to day. From tenancy reviews and compliance checks to ongoing guidance as regulations continue to evolve, our team works closely with landlords to ensure they remain informed and protected. Having an experienced managing agent who understands the details can provide valuable peace of mind.
Interestingly, while 89% of agents say they feel prepared for the new regulatory landscape, only 61% feel confident handling possession and eviction processes specifically. This highlights an important point for landlords, not all agents are equally equipped to deal with the practical realities of the new legislation.
Check out our Renters Rights Acts Guide here.
The Importance of Strong Tenant Referencing
Another key finding from the research was the importance landlords place on tenant quality. In fact, tenant referencing was ranked as the number one priority when choosing a letting agent, with 36% of landlords placing it above every other service an agent provides. Despite this, referencing is also one of the areas where landlords feel agents are falling short. Many reported being disappointed by the quality of tenant vetting they receive, creating a gap between what landlords value most and what they feel they're actually getting.
Finding the right tenant remains one of the most important factors in protecting your investment and creating a successful tenancy. Good referencing goes far beyond a simple affordability check. It should provide landlords with confidence that their property is being placed in the hands of reliable, suitable tenants who are likely to maintain a long and successful tenancy.
At Northern Group, we place significant importance on our referencing process because we know how much it matters to landlords. Every applicant undergoes comprehensive referencing checks, including affordability assessments, employment verification, previous landlord references and credit checks where appropriate. Combined with our local market knowledge and years of experience letting properties across Manchester, this helps us make informed decisions and minimise risk for landlords.
Manchester Landlords Need More Than Just a Letting Agent
The rental market is becoming more regulated, more competitive and increasingly complex. Landlords need more than someone to list a property online and collect rent each month. They need a trusted property partner who understands the local market, stays ahead of legislative changes and provides proactive advice throughout the lifecycle of an investment.
At Northern Group, that's exactly how we approach property management. Alongside lettings and management, we support landlords with acquisitions, sales, portfolio advice and investment opportunities across Manchester. Whether you're growing your portfolio, reviewing your current management arrangements or simply looking for guidance on the changing rental landscape, our team is here to help.
Looking Ahead
The research highlights a sector facing significant change. Landlords are questioning value for money, tenants are expecting faster responses and better service, and the Renters' Rights Act continues to reshape the rental landscape.
The good news is that Manchester remains one of the UK's strongest rental markets, supported by continued investment, a growing population and strong tenant demand.
For landlords, success in the years ahead will come from staying informed, remaining adaptable and working with experts who understand both the opportunities and the challenges shaping the sector.
At Northern Group, we're committed to helping landlords navigate that journey. From finding and referencing quality tenants, to delivering a positive resident experience, managing maintenance efficiently and providing support through the Renters' Rights Act, our team is here to make property ownership simpler, more transparent and more rewarding.
If you'd like to discuss your portfolio, understand how the latest legislation could affect you, or find out more about our property management service, get in touch with the team today.