Can landlords find tenants without a letting agent?
Yes. You do not have to pay a traditional high street letting agent to advertise your property, arrange viewings or choose your tenant.
Many self-managing landlords prefer to stay directly involved while using an online letting service for the areas where they need access or support.
Finding a tenant yourself does not mean doing everything without support. You can manage the applicant relationship yourself while using online tools for advertising, referencing and tenancy setup.
Decide when your property will be available
Before advertising, decide when the property can realistically be available for your next tenant.
If your current tenant has given notice, consider their move-out date together with any repairs, cleaning, safety checks or other work needed before a new tenancy can begin.
Being clear about availability helps avoid unsuitable enquiries and gives applicants a realistic expected move-in date.
Set a realistic rent
The rent you choose can make a significant difference to the number and quality of enquiries you receive.
Look at similar rental properties in the local area and consider the property's size, condition, location, furnishing, outdoor space, transport links and local demand.
Pricing too high can reduce demand and extend the void period. A realistic asking rent can help you attract suitable applicants more quickly. You can also read our guide to deciding what rent to charge.
Prepare your rental property advert
A clear advert helps prospective tenants quickly understand whether your property is suitable for them.
Be accurate and specific rather than relying on vague descriptions.
Take good-quality photographs
Photographs are one of the most important parts of your rental listing.
Take photographs in good natural light, tidy rooms beforehand and make sure the images give applicants a useful representation of the property.
Advertise where tenants are searching
Even when you are managing the letting yourself, your property still needs visibility.
Advertising on major rental property portals can help put the property in front of people who are actively looking for somewhere to rent.
This is where an online letting service can be useful: you remain in control while still gaining access to property advertising channels that private landlords cannot necessarily use directly.
Respond quickly to tenant enquiries
Once your advert is live, try to respond to enquiries promptly.
Applicants may be considering several properties, so slow responses can mean missing opportunities to speak with potentially suitable tenants.
Arrange viewings
Viewings give applicants the chance to see the property and give you an opportunity to speak with them directly.
If your existing tenant is still living at the property, communicate clearly and arrange access respectfully.
If the property is empty, offering reasonable flexibility with viewing times can help keep the tenant-find process moving.
Choose a suitable applicant
After conducting viewings, you may have interest from several applicants.
Do not simply choose whoever enquires first. Consider the proposed move-in date, whether the applicant appears suitable for the property and whether they can provide the information needed for the next stages.
You remain responsible for deciding who you want to proceed with. Referencing can then help you assess the chosen applicant before committing to the tenancy.
Carry out tenant referencing
Referencing can help you assess whether an applicant is suitable before committing to the tenancy. letlaunch's Full Tenancy Setup package includes unlimited tenant and guarantor referencing.
Prepare the tenancy agreement
Once you have chosen your tenant and completed the relevant checks, the tenancy agreement needs to be prepared.
The agreement should clearly record the important tenancy terms, including the property, parties, rent, deposit and tenancy start arrangements.
With Full Tenancy Setup, letlaunch can generate the tenancy agreement while still allowing the landlord to amend relevant details and add custom terms. The agreement can then be signed electronically through DocuSign.
Collect the rent and deposit and complete move-in
Before handing over the keys, make sure the relevant move-in monies have been received and that the tenancy and property are ready for occupation.
What are the benefits of finding tenants yourself?
Managing the tenant-find process yourself can reduce your letting costs while allowing you to communicate directly with prospective tenants.
FIND TENANTS YOUR WAY
Find your next tenant without paying
traditional letting agent fees.
Rightmove Advertising
For landlords who want to find and manage their tenant themselves.
Full Tenancy Setup
For landlords who want more help after finding their tenant.
