What is an online letting agent?
An online letting agent helps landlords advertise their rental property and, depending on the service, may also help with tenant referencing, tenancy paperwork, deposits and compliance.
Unlike a traditional high street letting agent, an online service will generally allow the landlord to remain more involved in the process, including dealing with enquiries, arranging viewings and choosing the tenant.
There is no single package that will be right for every landlord. The important question is how much of the letting process you want to manage yourself and where you want additional support.
What should you compare?
A good online letting service should make it easy to understand exactly what you are paying for and what you will still be responsible for yourself.
Look beyond the headline price and compare the features you are likely to need throughout the tenant-find and tenancy setup process.
Compare whether Rightmove advertising is included
For many landlords, Rightmove advertising is one of the most important features to compare when choosing an online letting service.
Getting your rental property in front of people who are actively searching can help generate enquiries and reduce the time between tenancies.
Check whether Rightmove advertising is included in the quoted price, how quickly your property can be uploaded and whether you can edit your advert afterwards.
Compare the price - and what it includes
Online letting service pricing can vary, so check exactly what is included before making a decision.
A low headline price may not include all the features you need, while a more expensive package may include services you are comfortable handling yourself.
Compare tenant referencing
Finding an applicant is only the first part of the process. Before moving forward, landlords will usually want to assess whether the applicant is suitable for the proposed tenancy.
When comparing services, check whether tenant and guarantor referencing is included, what the referencing covers and whether there are additional charges for referencing more than one applicant.
letlaunch's Full Tenancy Setup package includes unlimited tenant and guarantor referencing, which can be useful if more than one applicant needs to be assessed, or if an offer falls through.
Compare tenancy agreement and move-in support
Once you have chosen your tenant, there are several administrative steps to complete before the tenancy can begin.
Check whether the service helps prepare the tenancy agreement, supports electronic signatures and helps manage the payments and deposit arrangements needed before move-in.
Compare tenancy compliance support
Landlords need to make sure the property and tenancy are correctly prepared before the tenant moves in.
Depending on the property and tenancy, this can include safety requirements, prescribed documents, deposit rules, Right to Rent checks, alarms and other tenancy setup obligations.
If you want support in this area, check whether the online letting service guides you through the relevant compliance steps rather than simply providing advertising.
Is the service built for landlords like you?
The right online letting service for one landlord may not be right for another.
Some landlords want ongoing management. Others simply need advertising. Many self-managing landlords want something in between: access to the major advertising portals plus help with the administrative stages of setting up the tenancy.
Before choosing, decide which tasks you are comfortable handling yourself and which tasks you would prefer the service to handle or guide you through.
Online letting service comparison checklist
Before choosing a service, ask:
TWO SIMPLE OPTIONS
Choose the level of support
that works for you.
Rightmove Advertising
For landlords who mainly need advertising and are happy to manage the tenancy setup.
Full Tenancy Setup
For landlords who want support after finding their tenant.
