At a glance
- Letting runs in a clear order: valuation, preparing the property, advertising, viewings and referencing, the tenancy paperwork, move-in, and then the tenancy itself.
- Several steps are legal requirements, such as the safety checks, an EPC, a Right to Rent check and deposit protection, and getting them in order before move-in avoids most problems.[1]
- Every tenancy is now a rolling (periodic) tenancy with no end date, so the quality of your tenant and your paperwork matters more than ever.[2]
- You choose how involved to be: Let Only, Rent Collection or Full Management, each building on the one before.
Rules and figures last checked October 2026.
The journey, step by step
- 1
Value the property
We look at the property and compare it with similar homes let nearby to recommend a realistic rent. Start with a free rental valuation.
- 2
Check the legal ground
Does the property need a licence? Does it meet the safety and energy requirements? See licensing and your legal responsibilities.
- 3
Get it ready
Safety certificates, an EPC, working alarms and a property that is clean and in good repair. We can arrange the certificates; the prices are on our fees page.
- 4
Advertise it
The advert needs a single rent and the right facts, and must not discriminate. See marketing your property.
- 5
Viewings, offers and referencing
We find your tenant and run references and credit checks. Every adult who will live in the property also needs a Right to Rent check before the tenancy starts.[3]
- 6
- 7
Move-in and the tenancy
Alarms are tested on the first day of the tenancy,[6] and from then on the work depends on the service you chose.
- 8
Rent rises and ending the tenancy
Rent can go up once a year by notice, and a tenancy ends only by the tenant giving notice or you proving a ground. See the Renters’ Rights Act guide.
Choosing how involved to be
| Service | What we do | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Let Only | Advertise, find your tenant, run references and credit checks, prepare the contract. You take it from there. | 6% of rent |
| Rent Collection | Everything in Let Only, plus we collect the rent, register the deposit and provide statements on demand. | 10% of rent |
| Full Management | Everything above, plus inspections every four months, maintenance handling and a dedicated team for day-to-day care. | 12% of rent |
Other charges, such as inventories and certificates, are listed in full on services and fees.
The law in brief
- Before move-in: a gas safety record if there is gas, a satisfactory electrical report, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and an EPC.[1]
- Deposit: capped at five weeks’ rent (six if annual rent is £50,000 or more), and protected within 30 days.[7][5]
- The tenancy: since 1 May 2026, tenancies are periodic with no end date, and Section 21 “no-fault” notices have been abolished.[2]
- Fees: only the payments the Tenant Fees Act allows can be charged to tenants. See tenant fees.
Sources
Every figure and rule above comes from one of these, read in October 2026. The dates are the ones each publisher shows as when the page was last updated.
- [1]Renting out your property: landlord responsibilities (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK
- [2]Renters’ Rights Act: an overview for landlords (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) · page updated 1 May 2026 (published)
- [3]Landlord’s guide to right to rent checks: 1 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (Home Office) · page updated 1 October 2026
- [4]Written information you need to give to your tenant (assured tenancy agreements: a guide for landlords) (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK
- [5]Housing Act 2004, section 213: requirements relating to tenancy deposits (opens in a new tab)legislation.gov.uk
- [6]The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Q&A booklet (as amended in 2022) (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) · page updated 29 July 2022
- [7]Fees you can charge as part of a tenancy (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK · page updated 7 July 2026
This is a general guide to the rules in England, not legal or tax advice. Your own circumstances, and your lease or mortgage terms, may change what applies, so check the sources below or speak to a solicitor or accountant before you act.