Do landlords legally need a letting agent?
No, landlords do not legally need to use a letting agent to find a tenant.
A letting agent can help with advertising, enquiries, viewings, referencing, tenancy paperwork and sometimes ongoing management, but landlords can choose to handle some or all of these steps themselves.
This is especially common for self-managing landlords who want to reduce costs and stay in control of the process.
Finding your own tenant does not mean you have to do every part of the process alone. You can use an online letting service for the areas where you want support while continuing to manage the property yourself.
What does a letting agent usually do?
A traditional letting agent will usually help market the property, advertise it online, deal with tenant enquiries, arrange viewings, negotiate offers, reference tenants and prepare tenancy paperwork.
Some agents also offer full property management after the tenant moves in.
This can be useful if you want a hands-off service, but it can also be expensive, particularly if you only need help finding a tenant.
What can landlords do themselves?
Many landlords are comfortable managing the tenant-find process themselves.
If you have the time to respond to enquiries, arrange viewings and make decisions about applicants, you may not need a traditional letting agent.
The main challenge is getting your property in front of active tenants, which is why many landlords use an online letting service to advertise on major portals such as Rightmove.
When might you still want a letting agent?
A traditional letting agent may still suit you if you do not have time to manage enquiries or viewings, if you live far away from the property, or if you want someone else to manage the property after the tenant moves in.
Some landlords also prefer using a local agent if they want a fully hands-off service from start to finish.
When can an online letting service be enough?
An online letting service can be a good option if you are happy to manage viewings and tenant communication yourself, but still want your property advertised properly online.
This gives you a lower-cost alternative to a traditional letting agent while still helping you reach tenants who are actively searching for rental properties.
If you only need advertising, you may simply need your property listed online so tenants can find it and contact you directly. If you want more help afterwards, you can choose support with referencing, agreements, deposit registration and compliance.
What should you get right before accepting a tenant?
Finding a tenant is only one part of the process. Before a tenant moves in, landlords should make sure the key tenancy setup steps are handled properly.
This usually includes referencing, preparing a tenancy agreement, collecting rent and deposit, dealing with deposit registration and checking that the property is compliant before move-in.
FIND TENANTS YOUR WAY
Find your tenant without paying
traditional letting agent fees.
Rightmove Advertising
For landlords who want to find a tenant and manage the tenancy setup themselves.
Full Tenancy Setup
For landlords who want more support after finding their tenant.
