If you manage your own tenancy, you’re probably used to sorting things in bursts, such as deposit paperwork at move-in, safety certificates at renewal, and documents when something goes wrong.
Now that the new powers are in force, last-minute compliance is riskier than ever.
That’s because local councils in England have gained new investigatory and enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. These powers let them request information about any tenancy you’ve handled in the last 12 months, often with little warning.
If your files aren’t watertight, the consequences can be expensive, stressful, and fast.
This is exactly why many landlords are choosing to move to a fully managed service now, to remove the risk, reduce the pressure, and make sure every tenancy is ready for inspection at any time.
What changed on 27 December 2025?
As a landlord, you might be expecting the Renters’ Rights Act reforms to start from 1 May 2026, including the move away from fixed-term tenancies, the end of Section 21, updated rent-increase rules, clearer rights around pets, and stronger tenant protections. However, the enforcement phase began earlier, giving councils powers to request, review, and secure tenancy-related compliance documents from the previous 12 months.
With our fully managed service, your tenancy stays compliant and document-ready for any council request, without the risk on your shoulders.
Self-managing? Councils Can Request Your Full Tenancy Compliance Records
If you self-manage, you’re fully responsible for compliance. Councils can request a full compliance file covering the last 12 months, including agreements, deposit protection, right-to-rent checks, gas and EICR certificates, EPCs, legal notices, repair records, and any relevant licence documents.
Paperwork Gaps Can Now Lead to Real Consequences
Even a single missing compliance document can create problems. Councils now expect clear proof of deposit protection, right-to-rent checks, valid safety certificates, and correct prescribed information. The rules haven’t changed, but enforcement is tougher and faster, so small admin slips can leave you exposed.
If Your Records Are Scattered, You’re at Risk
If your evidence sits across emails, paper files, phone photos, spreadsheets, or multiple cloud folders, it becomes harder to respond quickly and confidently. When documents aren’t easy to access or clearly recorded, delays or gaps can make a routine request feel much more serious.
How Our Fully Managed Service Changes the Risk Equation
Self-managing landlords carry full liability. If something is missing, the responsibility sits with you.
A fully managed service:
- Takes day-to-day compliance off your plate
- Keeps documents complete, consistent, and ready for council requests
- Ensures deposits, checks, and certificates are done correctly and on time
- Gives you professional support if councils request information
- Protects your investment and your peace of mind
In a tougher enforcement landscape, that support matters more than ever.
Switching to fully managed takes compliance and council scrutiny off your shoulders so that you can focus on the return from your property, not the risk behind it.
Let Ellis & Co keep you protected
If you’re managing alone, now’s the time to get everything in order without last-minute pressure. With council checks possible at short notice, you don’t have to face questions on your own. Speak to your local Ellis & Co branch and move to fully managed, so you’re covered under the new enforcement powers.
