A guide for private landlords
Let your property without a letting agent
Want to rent out your property without paying a traditional letting agent to find your tenant? Take a more hands-on approach, advertise your property and deal directly with prospective tenants, while keeping control of the letting process.
Why let your property privately?
Using a letting agent can be convenient, particularly if you want someone else to handle viewings, tenant communication or ongoing management. However, not every landlord needs a full-service arrangement.
If you are comfortable managing the process yourself, letting privately can give you more direct control over how your property is advertised and how you communicate with interested tenants. It may also help you reduce the cost of finding a tenant.
Listhomes is designed to give property owners a straightforward way to advertise their property and connect with people interested in renting it.
The benefits of private letting
Control your costs
Reduce your reliance on traditional letting services and choose which tasks you handle yourself and which you pay professionals to complete.
Deal directly
Communicate with prospective tenants yourself, answer questions about the property and arrange viewings that suit your schedule.
Stay in control
Take an active role in presenting your property, responding to enquiries and deciding how to progress applications.
Choose your own support
Use professional referencing, legal advice or management services where you need them, rather than automatically paying for a complete package.
How to rent out your property without an agent
Private letting requires some preparation, but you can break the process into manageable steps.
Prepare your property
Check that the property is ready to let, establish a realistic asking rent and organise the relevant safety checks and documents. Check your mortgage terms, insurance and any leasehold restrictions that may affect letting.
Advertise your property
Create a clear listing with good photographs, an accurate description, the asking rent and important property details. Make it easy for prospective tenants to understand what you are offering.
With Listhomes, you can start a rental listing and present your property directly to prospective tenants.
Respond to enquiries and arrange viewings
Answer questions honestly, arrange suitable viewing times and explain the property, rent and relevant terms. Keep records of applications and communications.
Assess applicants properly
Carry out appropriate checks and follow the rules that apply to your property. In England, this includes the required Right to Rent checks. Consider professional referencing if you need help assessing an application.
Set up the tenancy correctly
Provide the required tenancy information and documentation, comply with deposit rules where applicable, and make sure the property meets the relevant legal requirements before the tenancy begins.
Manage the property during the tenancy
Plan how you will handle repairs, maintenance, rent payments, tenant questions and inspections. Your legal responsibilities continue throughout the tenancy even when you manage everything yourself.
How much can you save on letting agent fees?
Letting agent fees depend on the service you choose. A tenant-find service may cover marketing and finding a tenant, while a management package may also include rent collection, repairs coordination and ongoing tenant communication.
As an illustration, if an agent charges 12% of monthly rent including VAT for management, a property renting for £1,000 per month would incur £120 per month, or £1,440 over 12 months. Additional setup or tenant-finding charges may apply.
This is an example, not a standard market rate. Compare written quotes and check exactly which services are included. Private letting can reduce some costs, but you should also account for the time and work involved in managing the property yourself.
What are your responsibilities as a private landlord?
Letting without an agent does not remove your legal obligations. The requirements vary across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the rules that apply where your property is located.
Depending on your circumstances and location, you may need to arrange:
- The required gas and electrical safety checks and records
- An Energy Performance Certificate where required
- Appropriate smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Required tenant checks and tenancy documentation
- Deposit protection and prescribed information where applicable
- Any required property licence, including an HMO licence where relevant
- Repairs, maintenance and the legal standards for a safe home
England's private renting rules changed under the Renters' Rights Act in May 2026. Make sure you use up-to-date guidance rather than relying on older tenancy templates or advice.
Read the official GOV.UK guide to renting out a property for more information.
Is private letting right for you?
Private letting may suit landlords who live near their property, have experience dealing with tenants or simply want a more hands-on role. It can also appeal to owners who are happy to arrange professional help for specific tasks rather than pay for a full management service.
If you live far away, have several properties or do not have time to handle repairs and tenant issues, a letting or management service may be more suitable.
The important thing is to understand what you are taking on and make sure you can meet your responsibilities as a landlord.
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my property without a letting agent?+
Yes. You can advertise your property yourself, communicate directly with prospective tenants and arrange viewings. You remain responsible for complying with the laws and regulations that apply to your property and tenancy.
Can I save money by letting my property privately?+
You may be able to avoid some letting agent fees by handling the advertising and tenant communication yourself. Your total costs depend on your listing costs, any checks or professional services you use, and whether you pay for separate management support.
What responsibilities do private landlords have?+
Landlords have responsibilities covering property safety, repairs, energy performance, tenancy documentation, deposits where applicable, and other legal requirements. The exact rules depend on where the property is located and the type of letting.
Do I need to carry out tenant checks?+
You should assess prospective tenants carefully and follow the applicable legal requirements. In England, landlords must carry out the required Right to Rent checks. Referencing and affordability checks can also help you assess an application.
Can I manage the property myself after finding a tenant?+
Yes. Many private landlords handle communication, rent collection, repairs and property inspections themselves. You need to be prepared to respond to issues and meet your legal obligations throughout the tenancy.
Do the same letting rules apply throughout the UK?+
No. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different housing laws and landlord requirements. Check the current rules for the country where your property is located before marketing it or agreeing a tenancy.
More landlord guidance
Planning your first private let? Continue with our guide to preparing and advertising a rental property.
How to rent out your property →Ready to advertise your rental property?
Take a straightforward approach to letting. Create your listing and connect directly with prospective tenants.
List your rental property