When landlords think about property management, it’s easy to imagine routine inspections and the occasional leaking tap. But behind the scenes, professional property management involves navigating a web of legal responsibilities, safety regulations, and data protection rules, all to keep your investment secure and your tenants safe and happy.

At Boydens, we’ve been managing homes across Essex and Suffolk since 1966. We know it’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about protecting your liability, upholding tenant rights, and staying one step ahead of changing legislation. So, what does property management really involve in 2025?

Liability and Appointing Contractors: Why Risk Assessments Matter

When you appoint a contractor, whether it’s a plumber, electrician or general tradesperson, you’re not just hiring help, you’re also sharing responsibility. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, landlords have a duty of care not only to tenants but also to anyone they bring in to work on the property.

This means:

• You must ensure any contractor is competent and insured.
• A risk assessment should be carried out before work begins, particularly if it involves potentially hazardous tasks.
• Failing to do so could leave you liable in the event of an accident, injury, or damage.

At Boydens, we only work with vetted contractors who meet all legal and safety requirements. Our team ensures proper documentation and assessments are in place before any work begins, so you don’t have to lose sleep over liability.

Data Protection & GDPR: Sharing Tenant Info the Right Way

Another area that often gets overlooked is GDPR compliance. When you pass on a tenant’s name, number or address to a third-party contractor, even for necessary repairs, you are sharing personal data.

That’s why:

• Landlords must have a legitimate reason and documented process for sharing data.
• Tenants should be informed about who will receive their information and why.
• Only the necessary details should be passed on, nothing more.

Our team is trained in data protection and ensures all third-party communication is carried out with full GDPR compliance. We protect your tenants’ information, and your reputation.

Serving Documents: Don’t Get Caught Out by the Deregulation Act 2015

Legal paperwork is more than just admin; it can mean the difference between being able to regain possession of your property or not. Under the Deregulation Act 2015, key documents such as the Gas Safety Certificate must be served to tenants before they move in, and within specific timeframes.

Failing to serve these documents properly can invalidate a Section 21 notice, leaving landlords stuck in complicated legal territory.

At Boydens, we don’t take chances. Our experienced property managers make sure every required document, from EPCs to How to Rent guides, is issued correctly and on time.

Looking Ahead: The Renters’ Reform Bill and Decent Homes Standard

One of the major shakeups on the horizon is the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector, as part of the Renters’ Reform Bill.

This will likely require landlords to:

• Ensure homes meet minimum quality standards.
• Provide tenants with a simple, 24/7 way to report repairs and maintenance issues.

Our managed properties already meet or exceed these expectations. Through our streamlined online reporting system, tenants can alert us to any issues quickly, and we act swiftly, protecting your asset and keeping your tenants satisfied.

Why Choose Boydens?

Property management is no longer just a convenience, it’s a shield against risk, regulation, and reputational damage. At Boydens, we bring decades of experience, local knowledge, and a meticulous approach to compliance.

Whether it’s handling legal paperwork, carrying out risk assessments, managing maintenance, or safeguarding data, our expert team is here to make your life easier and your investment safer.

Ready to hand over the stress and stay protected? Let Boydens manage your property with care and expertise. Contact our experienced property management team today.