Compliance Isn’t Optional: Why the Right Letting Agent Protects You From Risk
The rules change constantly, and unless you’re working in property management day in, day out, it’s easy to miss something: Compliance Isn’t Optional: Why the Right Letting Agent Protects You From Risk - An article written by Marc Hughes, Head of Property Management at GLP
I’ve worked in property management for over 15 years and spent the last 12 of those at Greater London Properties. I now head up our in-house property management team, based in our flagship Soho office. Between myself and the team I lead, compliance isn’t theoretical — it’s what we deal with every day. We manage hundreds of homes, handle real situations as they arise, and make sure landlords are protected long before problems have a chance to develop.
Compliance is where landlords are most exposed
Most landlords want to do the right thing. Where things tend to go wrong is with the detail. The rules change constantly, and unless you’re working in property management day in, day out, it’s easy to miss something — or rely on advice that’s no longer correct.
Over the last decade, landlords have had to keep up with:
- Right to Rent (2016, updated 2021)
- Minimum EPC standards (E rating from 2018, with further changes coming)
- Tenant Fees Ban (2019)
- Mandatory Electrical Safety Reports (EICR) (2020)
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm updates (2022)
- Fire Safety Act (2022)
- Renters’ Rights Act (2025)
- Further EPC changes planned for 2030
Each change brings extra responsibility — and real risk if it’s not handled properly. I’ve seen firsthand how stressful it can be when something is missed. Fines, invalid possession notices, delayed timelines — often over issues that could have been avoided with the right systems and knowledge in place.
Experience matters — especially now
Most compliance issues don’t come from neglect. They come from outdated knowledge. That’s why it’s worth asking your agent some straightforward questions:
- Do they understand that Right to Rent checks were updated in 2021 and need ongoing monitoring, not just checks at move-in?
- Can they clearly explain how the Renters’ Rights Act affects tenancies, possession, and day-to-day management?
- Are they already helping you plan for future EPC requirements, or will that only be mentioned when deadlines are looming?
Good compliance isn’t about box-ticking. It’s about understanding how legislation works in practice and applying it consistently. That’s where experience really counts.
How my team stays ahead at Greater London Properties
At Greater London Properties, compliance is part of our core service — not an afterthought. My role is to ensure our in-house property managers are properly trained, supported, and confident in what they’re doing. They’re specialists in their field, and they deal with compliance issues daily — not occasionally.
That means:
- Monitoring legislative changes as soon as they’re announced
- Regular, structured training for our management team
- Clear internal systems so nothing slips through the cracks
- We also make a point of keeping landlords informed in plain English. We’ve:
- Hosted in-person sessions for clients on the Renters’ Rights Act
- Run live webinars with specialist property lawyers
- Provided practical guidance landlords can actually act on
The aim is simple: no surprises, no panic, no last-minute scrambling.
Meet your property manager — it makes a difference
One piece of advice I always give landlords is to meet the person managing your property. You should feel confident in their knowledge and comfortable asking questions. A good property manager won’t overcomplicate things — they’ll explain what matters, deal with issues early, and keep you compliant without you having to chase. When that’s done properly, compliance stops being stressful. You know it’s being handled.
Is your agent giving you confidence?
If your current agent isn’t proactive, can’t clearly explain compliance, or feels reactive rather than prepared, it’s worth reconsidering whether they’re really protecting you. If you want a team that knows the detail, plans ahead, and manages your property properly, we can help.
If you have any questions feel free to call me directly — we’ll make switching agents straightforward and ensure your property is managed with experience, clarity, and full compliance.
Warm Regards,
Marc Hughes, Head of Property Management
Greater London Properties
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