The UK rental market is fast-moving, highly regulated, and increasingly competitive. For landlords and tenants alike, navigating property rentals can be complex — and that’s where letting agencies come in. Whether you’re a property owner looking to rent out your home or a tenant searching for the perfect place, understanding the role of letting agencies can make the process smoother, faster, and legally compliant.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- What letting agencies do in the UK
- The types of services they offer to landlords and tenants
- The fees involved
- The benefits of using a letting agency
What is a Letting Agency?
A letting agency is a company that acts as a middleman between landlords and tenants. Their main role is to help landlords rent out their properties, while ensuring tenants find suitable, well-managed homes.
Letting agencies manage various aspects of property rental, from marketing a property to handling tenancy agreements, collecting rent, and managing property maintenance.
Services Letting Agencies Offer to Landlords
01. Property Marketing
- Advertising rental properties on popular platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, Gumtree and OnTheMarket.
- Organising professional photography and floorplans
- Hosting property viewings with prospective tenants
02. Tenant Sourcing
- Conducting thorough tenant referencing and background checks
- Performing credit checks and employment verification
- Ensuring the tenant can legally rent in the UK (Right to Rent checks)
03. Rent Collection
- Setting up and managing rent payment schedules
- Chasing any rent arrears on behalf of the landlord
- Providing statements and financial reports
04. Property Management
- Handling day-to-day maintenance and repairs
- Acting as the first point of contact for tenants
- Conducting periodic property inspections
- Managing deposit protection in a Government-approved tenancy deposit scheme
05. Legal Compliance
- Drafting and managing Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements
- Ensuring the property complies with safety regulations (e.g., gas safety certificates, electrical safety standards)
- Staying updated with UK rental laws, such as Section 21 eviction rules and tenant fee bans
Services Letting Agencies Offer to Tenants
A letting agency is a company that acts as a middleman between landlords and tenants. Their main role is to help landlords rent out their properties, while ensuring tenants find suitable, well-managed homes.
- Helping tenants find properties that fit their needs and budgets
- Guiding tenants through the application process
- Assisting with paperwork and understanding tenancy agreements
- Acting as a liaison between the tenant and landlord for maintenance and disputes
- Ensuring tenants’ deposits are protected by law
Types of Letting Agency Services
01. Tenant Find Only
- The agency markets the property and finds a tenant, but the landlord manages the property thereafter.
02. Rent Collection
- The agency finds tenants and collects monthly rent, but the landlord handles maintenance.
03. Fully Managed Service
- The agency handles everything — from finding tenants and collecting rent to managing the property and dealing with repairs.
Letting Agency Fees
Letting agencies charge landlords based on the level of service provided:
- Tenant Find Only: Typically 75%-100% of one month’s rent
- Rent Collection: Around 5-8% of monthly rent
- Fully Managed: Typically 10-15% of the monthly rent
Note: Since 2019, the Tenant Fees Act prohibits agencies from charging tenants for most services, ensuring fairer rental experiences.
Benefits of Using a Letting Agency
For Landlords:
- Saves time and reduces hassle
- Ensures legal compliance with ever-changing rental laws
- Access to vetted tenants
- Professional rent collection and property management
For Tenants:
- Safer, more transparent rental process
- Professional support with contracts and maintenance
- Assurance that the property meets safety standards
Final Thoughts
n the dynamic UK rental market, letting agencies play a vital role in connecting landlords with reliable tenants while ensuring that properties are well-managed and compliant with regulations. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to simplify your property management or a tenant looking for a hassle-free renting experience, a reputable letting agency can offer the expertise and support you need.
Final Thoughts
Partner with a professional letting agency that understands the market and ensures smooth, compliant rentals for both landlords and tenants. Contact us today to learn more.
