Altrincham-based lettings specialists Oakwood Property Services share their frontline experience of the new Renters' Rights legislation that came into force on 1st May - and why local landlords across Altrincham may be more exposed than they realise.
Since the Renters' Rights changes came into effect on 1st May, the conversation around lettings has changed significantly.
At Oakwood Property Services we've spent months helping landlords prepare, but one thing has become clear very quickly: many landlords still don't fully realise how much responsibility the new legislation brings, and this isn't just affecting large portfolio landlords or city investors.
Across Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley and the wider South Manchester area, we are seeing local landlords facing the same challenges.
What are we seeing so far?
The biggest issue has been compliance and paperwork.
Many landlords assume that because a tenancy has been running smoothly for years, everything is compliant. In reality, we are finding outdated tenancy agreements, missing documentation, expired certificates and gaps in record-keeping that could now cause serious issues under the new framework.
We are also seeing confusion around tenancy structures, rent increases and possession processes, with some landlords unaware of how significantly the rules have changed since May.
The reality is that informal or "hands-off" management is becoming much harder.
Why it matters
For many local landlords, property is tied closely to long-term financial plans, retirement income or family investments.
But the sector is becoming increasingly regulated, and the risks of getting things wrong are growing, from financial penalties through to lengthy disputes and avoidable stress.
Many landlords are not deliberately ignoring the rules; they simply haven't had the time or guidance to properly review everything.
Our landlord review
To help landlords navigate the changes, we launched a fixed-fee Landlord Review, designed to give landlords clarity on where they currently stand.
The review includes a detailed check of tenancy agreements, compliance documents, safety certification, deposit handling and general management processes, alongside practical advice on preparing for the next 12–24 months under the new legislation.
We also look at wider considerations such as portfolio structure, future plans and whether landlords are fully protected from both a legal and operational perspective.
The review is priced at £300 including VAT per property, with discounted rates available for portfolio landlords.
For many landlords, it provides reassurance. For others, it highlights issues that are far easier, and cheaper, to resolve now rather than later.
The local market is evolving
Demand for rental property across Trafford and South Manchester remains strong, but expectations on landlords are clearly increasing.
Tenants are more informed, regulation is tightening, and professionalism within the sector matters more than ever.
The landlords who stay proactive, organised and compliant are likely to be in the strongest position moving forward.
If you own rental property in Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon or Timperley and haven't reviewed your compliance since May, now is the time. Get in touch with the Oakwood team to book a fixed-fee Landlord Review and find out exactly where you stand. Call 0161 941 4228 or email enquiries@oakwoodpropertyservices.co.uk
