Pick a realistic target rent using fresh local comps and your yield goals. Sense-check seasonality and condition; be honest about repairs that affect price. Decide term, pets/smoking policy and notice preferences. Model returns with our yield calculator and build a small negotiation buffer. Agree your ‘launch price’, a review point, and a clear walk-away.
Right to Let and safety setup: EPC, Gas Safety (CP12), EICR and alarms. Check permissions to let and any local licensing requirements. Keep certificates ready for applicants and renew before expiry. Store digital copies in one place for quick sharing. Resolve any fails before marketing or move-in.
Write a benefits-led description (light, storage, transport, schools). Upload clear photos, a floor plan or VT, and set realistic availability notes. Call out inclusions and any restrictions to reduce bad enquiries. Proof on mobile as well as desktop; lead with the hero image. Go live once the first viewing window is agreed and ready to book.
Boost visibility first with Premium Boost to reach more tenants. Stack early demand into grouped viewing slots to save time and create momentum. Auto-confirm with calendar invites and access instructions. Capture feedback after each slot so you can adapt quickly. Shortlist strong applicants the same day and outline next steps.
Invite shortlisted applicants to submit full offers through the platform. Compare rent, start date, length, break clauses and special conditions. Check proof of income and references at a high level before acceptance. Accept, counter or decline in one place with a clear audit trail. Once agreed in principle, proceed to holding deposit and referencing.
Review applications side-by-side: rent, timing, household, pets and conditions. Prioritise affordability and readiness; note any red flags to verify later. Shortlist the best matches and keep polite declines templated. Record reasoning for fairness and future audit. When aligned, move the top candidate to offers.
Agree headline terms and, if used, take a holding deposit (capped at 1 week’s rent). Issue a Holding Deposit Agreement and share Tenant Fees rules. Set a deadline for agreement and list the documents you require. Explain next steps and expected timelines to manage expectations. Move directly into full referencing to keep momentum.
Begin full referencing and Right to Rent checks. Collect photo ID, proof of address/income and previous landlord details. Schedule any in-person/online R2R check and record date/time. Respond quickly to queries to avoid avoidable delays. Proceed only when references are satisfactory.
Generate the tenancy agreement (AST) with exact agreed terms. Confirm rent, deposit (within cap), term, breaks and any special clauses. Attach ‘How to Rent’, EPC and safety docs where applicable. E-sign with all parties and save the completed copy securely. Double-check permitted occupiers and address details before sending.
Collect first month’s rent and the tenancy deposit before key handover. Protect the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days. Serve the Prescribed Information and keep proof of service. Reconcile payments and file receipts for your records. Confirm the ongoing rent schedule and standing order setup.
Complete a detailed check-in inventory before move-in. Record room-by-room condition with clear, dated photos and meter reads. List keys/fobs issued and any quirks or defects to monitor. Share for tenant comments and obtain sign-off to prevent disputes. Store the report securely with time stamps.
Welcome the tenant and confirm how to report maintenance. Share building rules, bin/recycling info and key contacts. Provide meter locations and user manuals for major appliances. Flag any planned works and expected timelines. Capture preferred contact method and emergency arrangements.
Repairs, inspections, renewals.
You’re making great progress.
This journey is a general guide only. Every property and transaction is different and information may change. We don’t provide legal, financial or professional advice. Always verify details with qualified professionals. We are not responsible for any errors or for losses arising from reliance on this guide.
The Tenant Fees Act caps the holding deposit at one week’s rent. Enter the agreed rent and we’ll work it out.
