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What Does Property Management Involve? – Explainer for Tower Hamlets Landlords

Managing your Tower Hamlets properties can be time-consuming. If you’re busy, live far from your property, or want peace of mind that you’re meeting rental standards, then engaging a property management company could be a game-changer.  

what is property management

Rental properties in Tower Hamlets can generate strong rental yields for landlords. Lower average house prices than the London average, and a higher average monthly rent of £2,382 versus the London average of £2,271 by ONS November 2025 statistics. Of course, you’ll need to work for that rental income, keeping up with repairs, the ever-changing legal requirements… All part of day-to-day life for East London landlords, but you could save time with professional property management services. 

If you rent out a property in Bethnal GreenWapping or Whitechapel, read on. Find out what a property management company does, and how it could alleviate the everyday stress of being a landlord. 

What is property management?  

Property management involves taking care of residential or commercial properties’ everyday running – including the legal, financial, practical and communication aspects. In effect, everything from finding tenants and collecting the rent, dealing with property maintenance and repair requests to keep your property habitable and safe, and following current legal requirements.  

Want to know more? Before deciding on a management level, it helps to understand the full scope of your obligations – read our list of landlord legal responsibilities, check our guide to fire safety regulations for landlords, and explore the rules around landlord electrical safety.

What should property management services include?  

Property management services can cover all aspects of property management from monthly rent to 6am or 8pm repair requests. Since landlords and their rental properties have unique requirements, many property management companies offer bespoke service levels covering anything from basic services to full management. Fully comprehensive property management services will generally include: 

  • Tenant finding and screening – Save time and gain confidence with professional tenant screening. 
  • Rent collection – Handing over rent collection to your property manager removes the anxiety from difficult conversations.  
  • Meeting legal requirements – It’s their job to stay on top of current legislation, and they have experience in the processes and documentation. 
  • Safety inspections – Landlords are legally required to hold current gas and electrical safety certificates, and property managers can arrange inspections on your behalf. 
  • Tenant communications – Answering calls professionally, often at inconvenient times of day. 
  • Coordinating repairs – Property management companies have longstanding contacts in all trades. 
  • Property inspections – Experienced property managers know what to look for during a property inspection. 
  • Negotiating new tenancy agreements – Putting the professionals in charge can remove the awkwardness of negotiating new terms or rent amounts.  

What to expect from a property management company  

A good property management company should help you to save time and stay compliant with rental laws. They should be knowledgeable, professional, and easily contactable by you and your tenants – and keep you updated on what’s happening with your rental property.  

Another aspect of good property management is protecting your investment in the long term, by vetting tenants carefully and keeping the property itself well-maintained. That includes acting fast so that minor repairs don’t become major ones. 

What are the legal responsibilities of a property management company?  

Property management companies should be up-to-date with legal requirements and help to keep your rental property compliant. As such, the responsibilities of a property manager include meeting the requirements of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985Tenant Fees Act and the new Renters’ Rights Act.  

Their exact duties depending on your level of service. For example, if they are responsible for your tenant’s deposit then they must place it in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it.   

How much do property managers charge?  

While the average is about 10% to 15% of the monthly rent, how much letting agents charge to manage a property will depend on the level of service. Many offer tailored packages ranging from rent collection only to full property management, and the price will reflect that. 

What is property management with guaranteed rent?  

Guaranteed rent schemes are a way of receiving a guaranteed, steady rental income for an agreed time. The scheme will pay rent to the landlord including during vacant periods, and are responsible for collecting the rent, managing and maintaining the property for the duration of the agreement. 

Landlords can understandably have concerns about tenants who refuse to pay, and that regular cash flow allows you to budget with confidence. Wextons offer London landlords 0% commission for 1-5 years, and 3 months rent paid in advance, under our guaranteed rent scheme. 

Want to find out more? Cost and protection are key factors in choosing a management approach – compare estate agent letting fees, review your options for rent guarantee insurance, and understand the implications of non-resident landlord tax if you manage your property from overseas.

Property management FAQs

Can property managers handle HMO licensing in Tower Hamlets?

Yes, experienced property management companies can manage the HMO licensing process in Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets operates both mandatory and additional HMO licensing schemes, and professional managers understand the specific requirements including safety standards, amenity provisions, and occupancy limits.

They can handle the application process, ensure your property meets all necessary criteria, arrange required safety certificates, and maintain ongoing compliance with licensing conditions.

What happens if my property manager finds a maintenance issue during an inspection?

When property managers identify maintenance issues during routine inspections, they’ll typically assess the severity and urgency. For minor issues, they’ll obtain quotes from trusted contractors and seek your approval before proceeding.

For urgent repairs affecting safety or habitability – such as boiler failures or water leaks – most management agreements allow managers to authorise emergency repairs up to an agreed limit without prior approval, then notify you immediately. You’ll receive detailed reports with photos and cost breakdowns.

Do property management companies in Tower Hamlets handle council tax during void periods?

Yes, most property management companies will notify the local council when your property becomes vacant, as landlords are responsible for council tax during void periods in Tower Hamlets.

They’ll ensure the council is informed promptly when tenants move out and when new tenants move in, helping you avoid overpaying. Some full-service managers will also handle the actual council tax payments on your behalf if this is included in your management agreement.

How do property managers deal with anti-social behaviour from tenants?

Property managers address anti-social behaviour through a structured approach. They’ll first investigate complaints by gathering evidence and speaking with all parties involved. If issues are verified, they’ll issue formal warnings to tenants citing breach of tenancy terms.

For persistent problems, managers will escalate to formal legal proceedings, liaising with local authorities where necessary. Throughout the process, they’ll keep you informed and maintain detailed documentation that may be needed for possession proceedings.

Can I switch property management companies mid-tenancy?

Yes, you can switch property management companies during an existing tenancy, though timing and planning are important. You’ll need to review your current management contract for notice periods—typically 30 to 90 days.

The transition involves transferring tenant deposits to the new agent’s protected scheme, handing over all documentation including tenancy agreements and safety certificates, and formally notifying tenants of the change. A good new management company will handle most of this transition process for you.

What’s the difference between letting agents and property managers?

Letting agents primarily focus on finding and placing tenants—marketing your property, conducting viewings, referencing prospective tenants, and setting up the initial tenancy agreement.

Property managers provide ongoing management throughout the tenancy, handling rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and tenant communications. Many companies offer both services, but some landlords choose to use a letting agent initially then manage properties themselves, or vice versa.

Are property management fees tax-deductible?

Yes, property management fees are generally tax-deductible as an allowable expense against your rental income. This includes monthly management fees, tenant find fees, and any additional charges for specific services like safety inspections or inventory reports.

Keep all invoices and statements from your property management company as evidence for your tax return. The fees reduce your taxable rental profit, potentially lowering your overall tax liability.

How often should my property manager inspect my Tower Hamlets rental?

Most property management companies conduct routine inspections every three to six months as standard practice. These inspections check the property’s condition, identify any maintenance needs, ensure tenants are maintaining the property appropriately, and verify that no unauthorised occupants or pets are present.

Some managers offer more frequent inspections for higher-risk properties or as part of premium service packages. You should receive a detailed written report with photographs after each inspection.

What happens to my management agreement when I sell the property?

When you sell a rental property with sitting tenants, you have several options regarding your management agreement. You can terminate the agreement by giving the required notice period before completion, allowing the new owner to arrange their own management.

Alternatively, if the buyer wishes to retain the same management company, the agreement can sometimes be transferred with both parties’ consent. Your property manager should be informed early in the sale process to coordinate with estate agents and solicitors.

Can property managers help with Section 21 notices under the new Renters’ Rights Act?

Property management companies can guide you through the evolving legal landscape, though the Renters’ Rights Act is abolishing Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Professional managers stay current with legislative changes and will help you understand the new grounds for possession that replace Section 21, including mandatory grounds for selling the property or moving in family members. They can ensure proper notice procedures are followed, documentation is correct, and all requirements are met should you need to regain possession of your property.

Conclusion & CTA  

Our property management services are at the ready 24/7 to help your Tower Hamlets property rental business run smoothly. But you could go a step further to ensure you collect regular rental income stress-free. Wextons can guarantee rent for 1 to 5 years, commission-free, even during void periods.

Contact us today to find out about out guaranteed rent and property management services. 

Secure Your Rental Income

Begin your journey with a free property valuation, and benefit from our guaranteed rent or property management service. 

Got Questions?

Contact us, and we will be more than happy to help you.

Wextons

A leading London real estate agents consultancy with nearly 20 years of experience, specialising in guaranteed rent and letting services. We deliver the highest standard of management on the market and an unrivalled customer experience by ensuring guaranteed rent on your property.

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