DIY Property Management: What You Can Handle (And What You Should Outsource)

Are you a landlord wondering how much of your property management you can realistically do yourself? Whether you're managing a single rental unit or a growing portfolio, knowing which tasks you can handle and which ones are better outsourced can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what DIY property management looks like, the tasks you can tackle yourself, and when it makes sense to bring in professional help.

✅ What Landlords Can Do Themselves

1. Advertising and Listing the Property you can list your rental on popular platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or Facebook Marketplace. Use high-quality photos, write a clear, attractive description, and highlight key features and local amenities.

2. Conducting Viewings If you live locally, handling viewings gives you a chance to meet potential tenants, assess them in person, and build rapport.

3. Tenant Referencing there are many online services that offer tenant background checks, including credit history and employment verification. It’s cost-effective and ensures peace of mind.

4. Routine Maintenance for handy landlords, dealing with minor repairs like leaky taps, painting, or garden upkeep can save outsourcing costs especially if you're managing one or two properties.

5. Rent Collection and Basic Accounting with online tools or spreadsheets, collecting rent and managing invoices can be handled in-house, especially with standing orders or scheduled bank transfers.

❗ What You Should Consider Outsourcing

1. Legal Compliance and Paperwork from tenancy agreements to ensuring compliance with gas safety, EICR, and deposit protection laws, staying on top of legislation is critical. Mistakes here can be costly or even illegal.

2. Emergency Repairs burst pipes or broken boilers at 2am? Partnering with a local 24/7 maintenance team ensures your tenants are looked after, and your property is protected even when you're unavailable.

3. Evictions and Dispute Resolution If things go wrong, having a lettings agent or legal advisor to guide you through Section 8 or Section 21 notices is crucial. These situations require legal expertise.

4. Full Property Management Services for landlords who are time-poor, live abroad, or want a hands-off investment, outsourcing everything to a professional property management company ensures smooth, compliant, and stress-free operations.

Why Trust Matters in Property Management

At AV Hughes Properties, we help landlords like you make the most of their property investments whether you're managing things yourself or looking to outsource completely.

We offer transparent advice, tailored packages, and support designed to grow your portfolio while keeping costs manageable.

📌 Final Thoughts: DIY vs. Professional Property Management

DIY property management is achievable, especially for landlords with time, local knowledge, and a hands-on mindset. But knowing when to bring in the professionals can protect your investment and ensure long-term success.

Whether you're just starting or scaling your portfolio, we're here to help. 👉 Explore our landlord services or get in touch to find out how we can support your property journey.

📱+44 7845 025299

📧 info@avhughesproperties.com