Insights
Should You Self-Manage Your Rental or Use an Agent?
by Ella Crisp
Welcome to another Oakheart Lettings spotlight. One of the biggest choices for landlords is whether to manage a property themselves or appoint a professional agent. The right decision will shape both your experience as a landlord and your tenants’ day-to-day living.
The Case for Self-Management
- Closer involvement: When you self-manage, you’re hands-on. From vetting tenants to arranging repairs, you’ll know every detail of how your property is being run.
- Cost savings: There are no management fees, so more of the rent collected goes directly into your pocket.
- Flexibility: You set the tone - whether that’s personally meeting tenants, choosing your own contractors, or handling things in your own way.
But here’s the catch…
That flexibility comes with responsibility. Late-night phone calls about boilers, chasing overdue rent, keeping up with ever-changing legislation - self-managing means you carry it all. For landlords with plenty of free time and a strong knowledge of the sector, this can be manageable. For everyone else, it quickly becomes stressful.
That flexibility comes with responsibility. Late-night phone calls about boilers, chasing overdue rent, keeping up with ever-changing legislation - self-managing means you carry it all. For landlords with plenty of free time and a strong knowledge of the sector, this can be manageable. For everyone else, it quickly becomes stressful.
The Benefits of Using an Agent
- Time and stress savings: With a fully managed service, you can step back while professionals handle tenant queries, maintenance, inspections, and legal compliance.
- Expert knowledge: Regulations around renting are complex and constantly evolving. An experienced letting agent ensures you stay compliant, avoiding costly mistakes or fines.
- Peace of mind: At Oakheart, we have a dedicated inspections clerk who carries out regular property visits, providing detailed reports and ensuring your property is well looked after. Landlords gain reassurance that their investment is protected and any issues are caught early.
- Reliable 24/7 emergency cover: Through our partnership with Propcall, tenants benefit from round-the-clock support, 365 days a year. Whether it’s a burst pipe at 2am or a boiler breakdown on a bank holiday, emergencies are dealt with promptly - keeping tenants safe and minimising damage to your property.
- Happier tenants, longer tenancies: A well-managed property keeps tenants satisfied, which reduces turnover and keeps your income steady.
Finding the Right Balance
Some landlords prefer a hybrid route - handling tenant relationships themselves but leaning on agents for tenant-find or rent collection services. Others go all-in with full management to enjoy complete peace of mind.
At Oakheart, we know every landlord is different. That’s why we offer flexible options, from tenant-find only through to our comprehensive Fully Managed service - currently with 3 months FREE management fees for new landlords.
In Summary
Self-managing your rental might work if:
- You have the time and confidence to handle repairs and tenant queries
- You’re comfortable staying up to date with property legislation
- You don’t mind being the first point of call for tenants, even out of hours
Using an agent could be the smarter choice if:
- You’d rather avoid the stress of day-to-day issues
- You value expert compliance support
- You want your investment to be as hands-off as possible
Enjoy Stress-Free Property Management with Oakheart
With Oakheart’s Fully Managed service, you get:
- 24/7, 365-day emergency support through Propcall
- Regular property visits and reports from our inspections clerk
- Experienced local lettings teams across Essex and Suffolk
- The reassurance that your property and your tenants are always in safe hands
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