When you first become a landlord, it’s easy to focus on the top line, i.e. reliable rent coming in each month. But the reality, as many experienced landlords will tell you, is that things aren’t always so straightforward.
Rental income can be steady and rewarding, but only if you’re prepared for the hidden costs of being a landlord that can creep up on you. These aren’t always obvious at the outset, and some only show themselves once you’re already knee-deep in paperwork, repairs, or regulatory red tape.
Here are some of the most common ways landlords lose money without realising and how the right property management company (yes, we’re biased!) can help keep your investment on track.
1. Empty properties (and the silent drain on your income)
Every week a property sits empty is a week of lost rent, not to mention mortgage payments, council tax, and utilities still ticking away in the background.
In Nottingham, rents in popular areas like Sherwood, West Bridgford, Mapperley and the student hotspots of Lenton and Dunkirk regularly top £1,000 a month. That means even a short void period could leave you hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
How we help: At Able Property Trust, we work hard to minimise gaps between tenancies. That means sensible pricing, smart marketing, and good tenant relationships. Some of our tenants have stayed with us for decades, which is no accident.
2. Repairs and maintenance that snowball
From broken door handles to boiler blowouts, there’s always something needing attention in a rental property. And the smaller the issue, the easier it is to ignore… until it becomes a much bigger (and pricier) problem.
How we help: We carry out regular property checks and catch things early. We also work with trusted local tradespeople who don’t charge silly prices or cut corners. A leaky tap might not seem urgent, but left alone it can lead to damp, rot, or worse. We fix it before it gets that far.
3. Damage that goes beyond everyday wear and tear
Most tenants take good care of their homes, but every so often, you come across one who doesn’t. Replacing stained carpets, patching up walls, or dealing with garden neglect adds up quickly, both financially and emotionally.
How we help: We’re fussy about who we let into your property. Vetting isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about taking the time to get a feel for someone. We look for tenants who’ll treat your home with the same care you would.
4. Keeping up with ever-changing regulations
Nottingham landlords have seen a raft of changes in recent years, from the introduction of Selective Licensing to updates in EPC, gas, and electrical safety regulations. Miss one requirement, and you could be facing fines or legal trouble.
How we help: We keep on top of local and national regulations, so you don’t have to. Whether it’s registering a deposit, booking a safety inspection, or making sure your property meets new licensing rules, we’ve got it covered.
5. Late rent (and the hassle of chasing it)
Late or missed payments can seriously disrupt your cashflow and chasing them up is rarely straightforward. It’s awkward, time-consuming, and sometimes ends in legal action.
How we help: We build strong relationships with tenants and set clear expectations from day one. If something starts to go awry, we’re on it quickly, before it becomes a bigger problem. If legal action is needed, we handle it professionally and with care.
6. Extra charges you didn’t expect
Some letting agents entice landlords with low upfront fees, only to sting them later for everything from arranging repairs to renewing a tenancy. Over time, those extras can drain your profits without you even noticing.
How we help: We believe in honest pricing. What you see is what you get and will be clearly outlined from the outset. There are no hidden charges or “extras” for things that should be part of the service.
7. The value of your own time
This is the hidden cost many landlords overlook: your own time. Whether you’ve got one property or a whole portfolio, dealing with tenant queries, organising trades, completing paperwork, and navigating compliance takes hours out of your week, often at awkward times.
How we help: We take that load off your shoulders. You stay informed and in control, but we handle the day-to-day details, so you don’t have to. And that frees you up to focus on your own life, or even just to have a proper weekend off!
A final thought…
Being a landlord in Nottingham today has many positives, but it isn’t always easy. The rules are changing, tenants are more aware of their rights (as they should be), and local licensing schemes add another layer of admin. But with the right support, you can still build a solid, low-stress income from your property.
At Able Property Trust, we don’t just react to problems; we prevent them. We’re local, experienced, and fully invested in doing the job properly.
If you’re feeling the weight of the hidden costs of being a landlord or you’re tired of being on call 24/7, get in touch. Let’s talk about how we can make landlording simpler, safer, and more rewarding, just as it should be.