Many landlords prefer to handle their own properties because it feels manageable. Once the tenancy is set up, things usually run smoothly, and any paperwork tends to be handled only when necessary. For a long time, that has been enough.
But a significant shift took place on 27 December 2025.
That is when the first major enforcement powers of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 took effect. From 27 December 2025, councils in England can issue a formal notice requesting tenancy-related information from any ‘relevant person’ that is, anyone who in the past 12 months has acted as a landlord, agent, licensor, or marketer in relation to the property, or who had an estate or interest in it, or purported to act for someone with such an interest.
If your documents are not complete, clear or easily accessible, the consequences may be swift and expensive. This is why many self-managing landlords are choosing to switch to a fully managed service, not for convenience but for protection.
What changed under the new enforcement powers
You may be expecting the big reforms, such as the end of fixed-term tenancies, changes to Section 21, updates to rent increases and new protections for tenants to arrive next spring. Those changes do begin in May 2026.
But the ability for councils to investigate, request documents and review your compliance started much earlier.
From 27 December 2025 onwards, councils can:
- Check whether deposits were correctly protected
- Verify gas and electrical safety compliance
- Ensure Right-to-Rent checks were carried out
- Confirm required licences are in place
- Review tenancy records for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness
They can also examine associated digital evidence and documentation. Residential inspections are subject to stricter safeguards, while seizure powers generally apply to business premises.
The legal duties are evolving, and the way they are scrutinised is now more detailed.
From 27 December 2025, councils can review a full year of your tenancy records with little notice. Moving to fully managed helps take that compliance pressure off your shoulders.
Why self-managing landlords need to prepare now
When you manage your property yourself, the responsibility for every compliance sits entirely with you.
Councils may request your tenancy file, including agreements, certificates, Right-to-Rent checks, deposit proof, repair logs, and communication history. Missing, inaccurate, or incomplete records could lead to further enquiries or enforcement action.
If your records are spread across emails, your phone, loose paperwork and different online folders, producing everything at short notice becomes difficult. What begins as a simple request can feel like a formal investigation very quickly.
That is why preparation is essential under the new powers.
How a Fully Managed service reduces the pressure
Choosing Newton Fallowell’s fully managed service means you no longer have to keep on top of every rule and deadline yourself. Our estate agents handle the day-to-day compliance, keep your tenancy documents organised, and make sure everything is up to date.
We register deposits correctly, manage safety certificates, maintain inspection records and ensure your paperwork is complete. If the council requests information under the Renters’ Rights Act, we provide the records in full compliance with their formal requirements.
We also check your existing documents so that any gaps are addressed under the new powers now in force. It is practical support that removes stress and reduces the risk of things going wrong.
Let Newton Fallowell safeguard your tenancy before enforcement tightens
The shift that took place on 27 December will not be dramatic, but it will have a major impact on anyone managing a tenancy without professional support.
If you are self-managing, now is the time to ensure everything is in order. With councils able to request documents more quickly and more widely, relying on good intentions or last-minute sorting is no longer enough.
Speak to your local Newton Fallowell branch and move to a fully managed service now that the new enforcement powers are in force. It is the most straightforward way to protect your tenancy and your peace of mind for the year ahead.
