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The changing role of a landlord
With ongoing legislative changes, being a landlord now involves far more than simply collecting rent. Compliance requirements are increasing, with stricter rules around documentation, safety standards, communication and how tenancies are managed day to day. While self-management can seem like a cost-saving option, it is important to consider the time, responsibility and potential risks involved.
Understanding the true cost of self-management
Managing a property yourself means staying fully up to date with current legislation, ensuring all documentation is correct and keeping detailed records throughout the tenancy. Missing a step, whether that is a certificate, notice or piece of paperwork, can lead to delays, financial penalties or complications if you need to regain possession. What may appear as a saving initially can quickly become costly if something is overlooked.
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At Richard Kendall Estate Agent, our Lettings Department is committed to keeping landlords informed of legislative changes that may affect their responsibilities and properties.
From 23 June 2026, amendments to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) will come into effect across England. While these changes do not introduce new minimum property standards, they do change how hazards within residential properties are assessed and categorised by local authorities.
What is the HHSRS?
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the risk assessment tool used by local authorities to identify potential hazards in residential properties. It considers both the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the possible outcome.
The system applies to all residential accommodation, including privately rented properties, and plays an important role in determining whether a home is fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
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Energy efficiency is no longer just a bonus.
If you are buying or selling in Wakefield or Pontefract, it now plays a big role in how properties are viewed, priced and sold.
Energy costs are one of the first things buyers think about.
Even though bills have settled compared to previous highs, they still form a big part of monthly outgoings. Buyers look beyond the asking price and consider what it will cost to run the home long term. If a property has a low EPC rating, buyers often reduce what they are willing to pay. They factor in the cost of upgrades or accept higher ongoing bills. Homes rated C or above tend to attract stronger interest. Buyers see them as better value over time, even if the purchase price is slightly higher.
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Making the Most of Warmer Days in Your Rental Home
With brighter days and warmer temperatures, it is a great opportunity to naturally freshen your rental home. Opening windows regularly allows fresh air to circulate, helping to reduce moisture levels and prevent condensation from building up on windows and walls.
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Council tax is one of those costs most homeowners accept without question.
But in areas like Wakefield and Pontefract, the difference between bands can add up to hundreds of pounds each year. Over time, that can become a significant amount. It is always worth checking that your property is in the correct band.
Council tax bands are based on property values from 1991.
Even though the property market has changed dramatically since then, these historic values are still used today. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) places properties into bands using old sales data, property type and location. Current market value is not taken into account.
