For landlords and letting agents across the UK, maintaining properties to a high standard is not just about keeping tenants happy. It is also a matter of compliance. With the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill moving through parliament and expected updates to the Decent Homes Standard on the horizon, the pressure is mounting to ensure every property meets stricter requirements. A key way to get ahead of these changes is by investing time in building effective, reliable relationships with the contractors who keep your properties in good shape.

Why Contractor Relationships Matter More Than Ever

Contractors are the backbone of property management. From plumbing emergencies to routine safety checks, they are the people you depend on to ensure properties are safe, habitable and attractive to tenants. When legislation shifts, as it will with the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Decent Homes Standard reforms, the demand for quality, compliant maintenance services will only grow.

If you already have trusted contractors in place, you can adapt more smoothly to the new requirements. Instead of scrambling to find someone reliable at short notice, you will be working with people who already understand your expectations, your properties and the standards you want to uphold.

The Benefits of Strong Partnerships

Good relationships with contractors go beyond basic availability. They bring several tangible benefits:

• Consistency of service: Familiar contractors know your properties, saving time in diagnosing and fixing issues.

• Quicker response times: A strong working relationship often means you are prioritised during busy periods.

• Better communication: Contractors who know your style and standards can anticipate needs and provide updates more effectively.

• Cost efficiency: While it is never wise to cut corners, trusted contractors may be more flexible on pricing for regular work, or at least ensure you always receive fair value.

In short, these relationships reduce stress and uncertainty while improving the overall quality of your service to tenants.

Practical Steps to Building Trust

Creating long-term, productive partnerships with contractors does not happen by accident. It takes a deliberate approach. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Be Clear from the Start

When engaging a new contractor, be upfront about your expectations. Provide detailed briefs for each job and be explicit about timelines, budget parameters and required standards. If compliance with regulations is part of the job, highlight this clearly. Contractors appreciate clarity and it sets the tone for a professional relationship.

2. Communicate Regularly

Strong communication keeps projects on track and avoids misunderstandings. Check in on progress, respond to queries promptly and share relevant updates about the property or tenants. The more transparent the dialogue, the smoother the work will be.

3. Pay Promptly

Few things build goodwill faster than prompt payment. Contractors value working with clients who respect agreed payment terms. It signals reliability and encourages them to prioritise your jobs in the future.

4. Show Appreciation

A simple thank you goes a long way. Recognising good work, recommending a contractor to peers or even just taking time to acknowledge their effort can strengthen the bond and foster loyalty.

5. Keep Records

Maintaining accurate records of jobs completed, costs and contractor performance helps you identify which relationships are working well. It also means you have evidence of compliance should regulators ever request it.

Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Bill and Decent Homes Standard

The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to shake up the private rental sector, with stronger protections for tenants and tougher requirements for landlords. Alongside this, updates to the Decent Homes Standard are expected to impose higher benchmarks on property conditions. For landlords and agents, this means:

• Ensuring that properties are free from serious hazards

• Meeting stricter energy efficiency and environmental performance standards

• Demonstrating that repairs and maintenance are carried out in a timely, consistent manner

Contractors will be vital in helping you meet these obligations. By starting to build stronger partnerships now, you will be far better positioned to comply once the changes become law. Instead of reacting under pressure, you will already have a trusted team in place who understand what is needed.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While many landlords and agents understand the importance of good contractor relationships, a few common mistakes can undermine their efforts:

• Chopping and changing providers: Constantly seeking the cheapest quote might save a little in the short term but risks long-term inconsistency and unreliability.

• Failing to plan ahead: Leaving repairs until they become urgent increases costs and strains relationships with contractors, who may not always be available at short notice.

• Poor record-keeping: Without documentation, it is difficult to prove compliance or monitor performance over time.

• Lack of respect: Contractors are professionals. Treating them as partners rather than just service providers fosters stronger loyalty and better outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The rental sector is evolving, with regulatory reform bringing higher standards and increased scrutiny. For landlords and letting agents, it is not enough to rely on ad-hoc arrangements. Building strong, professional and reliable relationships with contractors is a strategic decision that will pay off in compliance, efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

By investing the time now, you will be better prepared for legislative changes, more resilient in the face of emergencies and more attractive to tenants who increasingly expect a safe and well-maintained home. Ultimately, these relationships are not just about fixing problems. They are about laying the groundwork for a rental business that is sustainable, compliant and trusted for the long term. Book your free demo of togetha today and see how much time and money we can save your business.