Many landlords who manage their own properties do so because they know their homes, their tenants and their routines well. When things are running smoothly, it is natural for paperwork to be handled as needed throughout the year.
From 27 December 2025, the enforcement powers of the Renters’ Rights Act begin — ahead of the main tenancy reforms that come into force in May 2026. Councils will be able to review how landlords met their responsibilities over the previous 12 months, which makes complete, well-kept records essential.
Rather than waiting for these changes to take effect, many landlords are choosing to prepare now, and finding fully managed support is the simplest way to stay protected.
Why these powers matter for self-managing landlords
From 27 December 2025, local councils can request documentation covering any tenancy activity within the past 12 months. This does not yet include the upcoming tenancy reform elements of the RRA (such as the May 2026 changes), but it does require clear evidence of how key legal duties were met.
For landlords with carefully maintained filing systems, this may feel manageable. But for many who juggle work, family life and property tasks, those records may be split across emails, saved photos, old messages, folders or paper copies.
Why December is a challenging time for paperwork
It is the season of repairs, renewals, holidays, tenant questions and reduced contractor availability. As a result, paperwork is often postponed until January.
This year, that approach carries risk. With enforcement beginning before the new year, and ahead of the wider May 2026 reforms, any missing documents or unclear records may be picked up as soon as councils begin using their new powers.
Preparing early helps make sure you are not responding under pressure once the new requirements are already active.
Why many landlords are choosing Mullucks’ fully managed service
Mullucks has supported landlords across Hertfordshire and Essex for generations, and our fully managed service is designed around steady, reliable compliance.
By choosing fully managed, you gain:
- Clear, complete and organised documentation
- Regular monitoring of every certificate and deadline
- Secure record-keeping you don’t have to maintain yourself
- Support if your local council requests information
- Ongoing guidance as legislation evolves
It removes the strain of keeping everything in order and ensures your property is supported all year round.
Being fully prepared for 27 December 2025
The introduction of these powers is a significant moment for self-managing landlords. It marks a more detailed approach to checking how responsibilities are fulfilled and places greater value on clarity and organisation.
With Mullucks’ fully managed service, you can move into this next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act with the reassurance that your records are looked after professionally.
Speak with your local Mullucks branch today to stay ahead of the new requirements and keep your property in safe hands.
