Title Stories
From portfolio overwhelm to confident growth
Carol Hayhurst is a Manchester-based landlord with a portfolio of 12 residential properties, made up of a mixture of HMOs and single-let homes. She has built her portfolio over time and relies on professional support to keep both properties and tenancies running smoothly.
Carol came to TITLE after several years with a large high street managing agent. While the portfolio was functioning on the surface, the day-to-day reality had become increasingly difficult.
She wanted a managing agent who would take responsibility, deal with challenges properly & proactively and make ownership feel manageable again. TITLE was asked to take over the full management of more than ten live tenancies and provide an ongoing, fully managed service.
Case Study Key Facts
Carol Hayhurst
Manchester, UK
Portfolio Size
12 residential properties
Engagement Type
Full portfolio management and advisory support
Services Provided
Fully managed lettings and property management, portfolio transition, maintenance coordination and ongoing strategic guidance
Situation, Objectives & Approach
Changing managing agents part way through existing tenancies felt risky. Carol was concerned about disruption, missed rent and confusion for tenants.
Alongside this, ongoing issues with reactive management, poor maintenance handling and inconsistent contractors were making the portfolio harder to operate than it should be. Returns were tightening, workloads were rising, and Carol had begun to question whether continuing as a landlord still made sense.
TITLE’s initial focus was simple:
- Move the portfolio across cleanly
- Protect rental income
- Make management more reliable
- Reduce the amount Carol needed to be involved
The transition was planned, with clear communication to tenants and coordination behind the scenes. From there, TITLE put practical systems in place for maintenance reporting, contractor instruction and day-to-day management.
Alongside operational improvements, TITLE also began providing ongoing, practical guidance around upcoming legislative change, including the Renters’ Rights Act, so Carol could plan ahead rather than react later.
Delivery, Outcomes and Client Perspective
The portfolio was transferred on the agreed date. Rental payments continued without interruption, and tenants understood who to contact from that point onward. Since then, management has become more straightforward and predictable. Maintenance issues are reported through our customer app. Contractors are appointed who are responsive, realistic and fairly priced. Compliance and safety responsibilities are handled without Carol needing to chase or oversee.For Carol, the biggest change is the reduction in friction:
- Move the portfolio across cleanly
- Protect rental income
- Make management more reliable
- Reduce the amount Carol needed to be involved
Services Covered
- Portfolio transition and onboarding
- Fully managed HMO and single-let management
- Maintenance coordination and contractor management
- Tenant communication and support
- New lettings
- Ongoing legislative and strategic guidance
Conclusion
Changing managing agents part way through existing tenancies felt risky. Carol was concerned about disruption, missed rent and confusion for tenants.
Alongside this, ongoing issues with reactive management, poor maintenance handling and inconsistent contractors were making the portfolio harder to operate than it should be. Returns were tightening, workloads were rising, and Carol had begun to question whether continuing as a landlord still made sense.
The Title Journal
Our Locations
Manchester
Cheshire
Leeds
London
Liverpool
Manchester
Cheshire
London
Liverpool
Manchester
Cheshire
Leeds
Cheshire