Paperwork proving to be headache for landlords

The biggest issue facing buy-to-let property investors with a growing portfolio of properties is the vast amount of paperwork they face, according to computing firm Property Portfolio Software (PPS).

Following research into three years' worth of feedback from its customers, the organisation finds a number of trends emerging among investors in the sector.

Chief among these was sheer amount of paperwork they have to handle in order to ensure rents are received and all bills are paid on time.

"As a property investor myself, I know what a nightmare it can be keeping on top of property management issues while developing your portfolio," said Amer Siddiq, founder of Tax Portal, PPS's parent company.

"We have been collecting feedback data from our customers for three years. When we analysed the results, we weren’t surprised to see concerns about staying organised taking the top four places in issues facing landlords."

The research also found keeping track of legal documentation and effectively managing tenants was an important concern for landlords.

The top five concerns were as follows:

• Increasing paperwork: Keeping on top of bills and rental income.
• Staying legal: Keeping track of safety certificates and legal documents.
• Good tenant management: Making sure tenants get the information they need.
• Income tax management: Knowing what is due when.
• Maintaining a positive cashflow: Potentially harder with increasing property prices.