Lettings, done properly

Whether it is your first buy-to-let or a growing portfolio, letting a property should feel straightforward, not stressful. At Sidney & Co, we look after your property as if it were our own, with honest advice, clear communication and a team that genuinely understands what landlords need.

We work with landlords in Liverpool, Wigan and the surrounding areas who want more than a quick tenant placement. You want reliable tenants, rent paid on time, your property cared for and the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is being handled properly. That is exactly what we deliver.

How we let your property

Our lettings process is designed to attract quality tenants, protect your income and keep your property compliant from day one. We handle the details so you do not have to.

• Accurate rental appraisal — we price your property using live local evidence, comparable rents and a realistic understanding of the current market.
• Professional photography and marketing — beautifully presented listings on the major portals, designed to attract serious, referenced tenants quickly.
• Thorough tenant referencing — credit checks, employment references, affordability assessments, previous landlord references and right-to-rent verification.
• Compliance handling — we make sure your property meets gas safety, electrical, EPC, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide requirements, and that deposits are protected with The Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS).
• Rent collection, statements and ongoing support — clear monthly reporting, arrears chasing where needed and helpful advice whenever a question arises.

Our service levels

Every landlord is different, so we offer three flexible service options. You can choose the level of support that suits you and change it as your needs evolve.

• Tenant Find — 75% plus VAT of the first month’s rent. We advertise your property, conduct viewings, reference applicants and set up the tenancy. You manage the property and rent collection from there.
• Rent Collection — as per Tenant Find, plus £25 plus VAT per month. Everything in Tenant Find, plus we collect the rent, chase arrears, provide monthly statements and keep your records in order.
• Full Management — from 8% plus VAT. The complete service: tenant find, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination, compliance monitoring and a friendly team you can call whenever you need us.

From time to time we may offer special deals, particularly for returning clients and portfolio landlords. Please ask us for a tailored quote.

Keeping you compliant with the Renters' Rights Act 2025

Lettings legislation is changing, and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (often still called the Renters Reform Bill) is one of the most significant shifts landlords have faced in years. It is being brought into force in phases during 2025 and 2026, and we are here to make sure you are not caught out.

The new rules remove "no-fault" evictions, introduce more flexible periodic tenancies, strengthen property standards, and give tenants greater rights around pets, repairs and damp. Local councils are also being given stronger enforcement powers. For landlords, this means that paperwork, processes and compliance standards matter more than ever.

Key changes you need to be ready for

• Awaab’s Law extended to the private sector — set timescales to investigate and remedy serious hazards such as damp and mould.
• Decent Homes Standard for the PRS — private rented homes must meet the same basic standard already required in social housing.
• Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (not yet in force) — a new landlord redress scheme is planned, but it is not open and landlords cannot join yet. Membership only becomes compulsory once the government commences it and the scheme goes live. We will tell you when it does.
• Private Rented Sector Database (not yet in force) — a national digital register of landlords and properties is planned, but it has not launched and there is no registration requirement at present. We will let you know as soon as registration opens.
• Ban on rental bidding — you must publish an asking rent and cannot invite or accept offers above it.
• Ban on blanket discrimination — refusing to let to families with children or to tenants in receipt of benefits (“No DSS”) is unlawful.
• Pets — you must consider a written pet request and cannot unreasonably refuse. The originally proposed pet-insurance requirement was dropped from the final Act.

We help landlords prepare for and comply with these changes by:

• Reviewing your tenancy agreements — making sure they are up to date, legally sound and reflect the new rules.
• Managing property standards — coordinating inspections, repairs, gas safety checks, electrical inspections and addressing damp or mould issues promptly.
• Handling deposits and documentation — ensuring deposits are protected with The Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) within the required timeframe and the correct prescribed information is served on tenants.
• Keeping accurate records — maintaining a clear paper trail for notices, inspections, repairs and communications, which is vital if a dispute ever arises.
• Guiding you through possession proceedings — if you ever need to regain possession, we make sure the correct grounds and notices are used, giving you the strongest possible position.

What happens if landlords do not comply

Falling short of lettings legislation is not just a risk to your tenant relationship — it can have serious financial and legal consequences. Councils now have stronger enforcement tools, and tenants are more aware of their rights than ever before.

Penalties landlords may face include:

• Substantial fines — for issues such as failing to protect a deposit, breaching licensing rules, or letting an unsafe property. Some penalties can run into thousands of pounds.
• Rent repayment orders — if a property is unlicensed or standards are not met, landlords may be ordered to repay up to twelve months of rent.
• Invalid notices and possession delays — serving the wrong notice, or using out-of-date paperwork, can make eviction impossible and leave you unable to regain your property when needed.
• Prohibition orders and banning penalties — in serious cases, landlords can be banned from letting property altogether.
• Criminal offences — serious breaches, such as illegal eviction or harassment of tenants, can lead to prosecution.

The good news is that most compliance issues are easy to avoid with the right advice and systems in place. That is exactly why landlords choose Sidney & Co — we take care of the details, flag risks early and keep your property on the right side of the law.

NRLA membership

We are members of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s largest membership organisation for private landlords. Membership keeps us plugged into the latest legislation, best-practice guidance and up-to-date tenancy documentation, so the advice we give you reflects the rules as they stand today rather than as they stood last year.

Rent protection

Optional rent protection and legal cover is available on managed lets, giving you added peace of mind against arrears and eviction costs. Ask us for details and we will help you choose the right level of cover for your property.

Ready to talk about letting your property?

If you are thinking about letting a property in Liverpool, Wigan or the surrounding areas, we would love to help. We offer a free, no-obligation rental valuation and an honest conversation about the best way forward.

Book a free valuation or contact your nearest office to start the conversation.