Most tenants don’t even realise this is an option. And yet forums are full of Tenant horror stories for bad agents.
If repairs are ignored.
If emails go unanswered.
If you’re chasing the same issue for weeks with no updates.
You’re told to “be patient” but nothing is actually happening.
So here’s the honest question:
Why should either you or your landlord tolerate poor management?
When a property manager isn’t doing their job properly, no one wins – except the party collecting the fee.
What’s more, is we work with partners that actually incentivise you to get your Landlord to change and can sometimes pay a referral fee to you!
Let’s unpack this properly.
When Things Aren’t Working
1. Repairs Go Unanswered
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure, exterior, heating, water and sanitation in repair.
That legal duty sits with the landlord even if they use an agent.
So when the agent ignores your leaking pipe or broken boiler, it doesn’t just create inconvenience. It creates risk.
- Damp spreads.
- Mould develops.
- Costs increase.
- Relationships break down.
And yet many tenants think, “There’s nothing I can do.”
That’s not true.
2. Communication Breaks Down
You report a repair.
You hear nothing.
You follow up.
Still nothing.
This isn’t just annoying – it damages trust.
Good property management is 80% communication and 20% coordination.
When that communication fails, small problems escalate into disputes.
3. The Landlord Often Doesn’t Know
Here’s something tenants rarely consider:
Many landlords have no idea their agent isn’t responding.
If they’re hands-off investors, they assume:
- The rent is being collected.
- Repairs are being handled.
- The tenant is happy.
Unless you escalate constructively, the landlord may never know there’s a problem.
Should You Ask for a Change?
In short – yes, if it’s justified and done properly.
But not emotionally.
Not aggressively.
Not as a threat.
Constructively.
Think of it this way:
If your accountant stopped filing returns or your solicitor stopped replying, you would change them.
Property management is no different.
How to Do It Properly (Without Burning Bridges)
Step 1: Document Everything
Keep:
- Dates of repair reports
- Screenshots of emails
- Photos of issues
- Any promises made
Facts win. Emotion doesn’t.
Step 2: Escalate Politely
Write directly to the landlord (if appropriate) and explain:
- The issue
- The timeline
- The impact
- That you want a solution, not conflict
You are not “complaining.”
You are asking for basic service standards.
Step 3: Suggest an Alternative
This is where it becomes productive.
Instead of saying:
“Your agent is useless.”
Say:
“Would you consider switching to a managing agent who is more responsive? It would benefit both of us.”
That changes the tone completely.
Why Sticking With Poor Management Makes No Sense
Let’s be blunt.
If repairs are ignored:
- The property deteriorates.
- Tenant satisfaction drops.
- Disputes and stress increase.
- More chance everyone is wasting money and time.
Remember that good Landlords like good long term Tenants. So a smart Landlord wants you to be happy.
Under the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, standards and accountability are only increasing so there has never been a better time to talk to your Landlord.
Landlords who don’t fix service issues now will face greater risk later.
So why stay with an underperforming agent?
What “Good” Actually Looks Like
Tenants should expect:
✔ Clear reporting systems
✔ Logged maintenance requests
✔ Written timelines
✔ Transparent communication
✔ Full audit trail
This is where modern systems matter.
For example, platforms like the Landlord Lab tenant app allow:
- Repairs to be logged in-app
- Photos attached
- Status tracked
- Full history recorded
That protects tenants and landlords.
But software alone isn’t the solution.
It’s the service model behind it and a dedication to solving problems that makes the key difference between great service and constant frustration.
Mid-Tenancy Transfers Done Properly
With our partners at Landlord Lab, we regularly work with landlords who move management mid-tenancy.
It’s not dramatic.
It’s not hostile.
It’s procedural.
The process typically involves:
- Notice served to the outgoing agent
- Handover of compliance documents
- Transfer of deposit records
- Tenant introduction to new management system
- Immediate repair backlog review
Within weeks, communication improves and issues start closing.
The tenant feels heard.
The landlord reduces risk.
The property stabilises.
That’s what good looks like. Our partners at Landlord Lab are currently offering £50 cash back to tenants once a switch is completed.
Real-Life Example
A tenant reported a slow leak under a sink.
Three months of emails. No resolution.
By the time management changed, the cabinet base had rotted and mould had formed behind the unit.
The repair cost tripled.
The relationship was damaged unnecessarily.
The issue wasn’t the landlord.
It was the lack of proactive management.
Final Thought
Tenants often feel powerless.
But asking constructively for better management is not unreasonable.
You’re not asking for special treatment.
You’re asking for the basics.
And if an agent consistently fails to deliver those basics, sticking with them benefits no one.
Except the agent collecting the fee.
If you’re in a property where things aren’t working, the real question isn’t:
“Can I ask for change?”
It’s:
“Why haven’t I already?”
Better management exists.
Better systems exist.
Mid-tenancy transfers are possible.
And when done properly, everyone wins.
If you are having issues with your property manager and would like us to help you move then drop us your details below and we will be in touch. We can take the stress out of the situation and help you communicate with your Landlord and help make a change for good.
Tenant Lab UK 
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