If you want to find tenants without a letting agent, the process is simpler than many landlords think. You need to prepare a strong rental advert, advertise your property where tenants are searching, choose a suitable applicant, carry out referencing and set up the tenancy with all compliance boxes ticked. With letlaunch, landlords can advertise on Rightmove from £49 or choose our comprehensive Tenancy Setup option for £149.

Can landlords find tenants without a letting agent?

Yes, landlords can find tenants without using a traditional letting agent. You do not have to pay a high street agent to advertise your property, arrange viewings or choose a tenant. Many self-managing landlords prefer to stay in control of the process while using an online letting service to get their property in front of active tenants.

1. Decide when your property will be available

Before advertising, decide when the property can realistically be available for the next tenant. If your current tenant has given notice, consider the move-out date, any repairs, cleaning, safety checks and time needed to prepare the property. Being clear about availability helps avoid wasted enquiries and makes your advert more useful to prospective tenants.

2. Set a realistic rent

The rent you choose can make a big difference to how many enquiries you receive. Look at similar rental properties in your area and consider the property's size, condition, location, furnishing, outdoor space, transport links and local demand. If the rent is too high, the property may sit empty for longer. If the rent is realistic, you are more likely to attract suitable tenants quickly. Read our practical guide on setting the right rent for your property here.

3. Prepare your rental property advert

A clear advert helps tenants decide whether your property is right for them. Include the key details tenants care about and try to be accurate and specific rather than vague. It is best to include:

• Monthly rent
• Availability date
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Furnishing status
• Parking or garden details
• Local transport links
• Nearby shops, schools or amenities
• Any key property features

4. Take good-quality photos

Photos are one of the most important parts of a rental listing. Good photos can increase enquiries, while poor photos can make a property look less appealing. Take photos in good natural light, tidy each room before photographing it, show the main living areas clearly and include exterior photos where relevant.

5. Advertise where tenants are searching

To find tenants without a letting agent, your property still needs visibility. Many tenants search for rental properties online, so advertising on major property portals can help generate more enquiries. This is where an online letting service can be useful: you stay in control while still getting your property in front of active tenants.

With letlaunch, landlords can advertise their rental property on Rightmove from only £49, making it a simple fixed-fee way to find tenants without paying traditional letting agent fees. 85% of all applicants search for their property on Rightmove, so it is vital your property is advertised on this platform.

6. Respond quickly to tenant enquiries

Once your advert is live, try to respond to enquiries quickly. Good applicants may be viewing several properties, so slow replies can mean missed opportunities. Prepare answers to common questions about availability, furnishing, bills, parking, pets, transport and viewing times.

7. Arrange viewings

Viewings give prospective tenants the chance to see the property and give you the opportunity to speak to them directly. If your current tenant still lives there, arrange access respectfully and with proper communication. If the property is empty, consider offering flexible viewing times to reduce the risk of delays.

8. Choose a suitable applicant

After viewings, you may receive interest from one or more applicants. Do not base your decision only on who offers first. Consider whether the applicant is suitable for the property, whether they can afford the rent, when they want to move in and whether they can provide the information needed for referencing.

9. Carry out tenant referencing

Tenant referencing is an important step when finding tenants without a letting agent. Referencing can help you assess whether an applicant is suitable before you commit to the tenancy. These checks should include employment/income verification, landlord references, credit checks and guarantor referencing. letlaunch carries out all of these checks and comprehensive tenant referencing within our Full Tenancy Setup package.

10. Prepare the tenancy agreement

Once you have chosen a tenant and completed checks, the tenancy agreement needs to be signed. The agreement should set out the key terms of the tenancy, including the rent, deposit, start date, property address and tenant responsibilities. It is important that the agreement is clear and signed before the tenant moves in. As part of our Full Tenancy Setup package, letlaunch compiles the tenancy agreement automatically, with the landlord still being able to amend clauses and add custom terms. The agreement is then signed digitally via DocuSign.

11. Collect rent, deposit and complete move-in steps

Before handing over keys, make sure the correct move-in monies have been received and the deposit arrangements are handled properly. Landlords should also make sure the property is compliant and that the tenant has the correct documents and information before the tenancy begins.

• First month's rent
• Tenancy deposit
• Signed tenancy agreement
• Right to Rent checks
• Gas safety certificate, where required
• Electrical safety requirements
• EPC
• Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm checks
• Inventory and check-in report

What are the benefits of finding tenants yourself?

Finding tenants yourself can help you save a tonne of money, stay in control and communicate directly with applicants. You can decide who to arrange viewings with, who to proceed with and how involved you want to be during the process. For many self-managing landlords, this is preferable to paying a traditional letting agent for work they are comfortable doing themselves.

When should you use an online letting service?

An online letting agency (such as letlaunch) is beneficial when you want to find tenants without a traditional letting agent but still need proper online exposure and comprehensive guidance in setting up the tenancy, including referencing, tenancy agreements, deposit registration, and compliance.