In short: yes, you can let your own property safely. Advertising takes 15 minutes on average, costs from £29 including Rightmove, and compliance and referencing are built into the platform.
Updated 19 September 2026
Self-letting a property has never been easier. Thanks to modern online letting platforms, landlords can now advertise their property, manage compliance, find reliable tenants and stay fully compliant with rental regulations, all without using a traditional letting agent.
The key facts
- 15 minutes to advertise a property on average on Hello Neighbour's platform, from £29 including Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket.
- 10-15% of monthly rent is what traditional agents typically charge, plus setup fees and ongoing letting fees.
- Compliance built in. Up-to-date Assured Periodic Tenancy agreements reflect the Renters' Rights Act, in force since 1 May 2026.
Even with the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, self-managing your rental property is not only possible, it is often safer, more transparent and significantly cheaper than outsourcing the process.
The average time it takes for our DIY landlords to advertise a property from start to list is 15 minutes.
In this article:
- Why self-let instead of using a letting agent?
- Key benefits of self-letting a property online
- How much can you save by self-letting?
- Is self-letting compliant under the Renters' Rights Act?
- How do tenancy agreements work when you self-let?
- Can you find better tenants by self-letting?
- What tenant checks are included when you self-let?
- Does self-letting take too much time?
- Is self-letting the modern way to rent property?
- Self-letting FAQs
Why self-let instead of using a letting agent?
For many landlords, letting agents have long been seen as essential. In reality, they often add cost, reduce visibility and create unnecessary distance between landlords and tenants.
Online self-letting platforms give landlords direct control, real-time updates and structured guidance at every stage of the letting process. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth updates or chasing an agent for feedback, everything is visible as it happens.
Key benefits of self-letting a property online
- Save thousands in letting agent fees
- Stay compliant with rental regulations
- Advertise your property on the most visited UK property portals
- Choose the right tenant yourself
- Access professionally drafted tenancy agreements
- Get ongoing support without giving up control
How much can you save by self-letting?
Traditional letting agents typically charge between 10% and 15% of monthly rent, alongside setup fees, ongoing letting fees and additional administration charges. Over the lifetime of a tenancy, these costs can run into many thousands of pounds.
Self-letting platforms charge low, transparent fees while giving landlords access to the same, and often better, tools than those used by agents. You can compare letting agent fees for your own rent level.
Is self-letting compliant under the Renters' Rights Act?
Compliance is one of the biggest concerns for landlords, and rightly so. Online letting platforms guide you step-by-step through all legal and regulatory requirements, including:
- Property licensing requirements
- EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)
- EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports)
- Gas Safety Certificates (GSCs)
- Right to Rent checks
- Service of tenancy deposit prescribed information
Automated reminders and clear dashboards ensure nothing is missed, reducing risk and providing peace of mind. The legal obligations themselves are set out in the government’s guidance on renting out a property.
How do tenancy agreements work when you self-let?
Modern self-letting platforms provide legally compliant, up-to-date tenancy agreements that reflect current housing legislation, including changes introduced under the Renters' Rights Act in England.
These agreements are designed to protect both landlord and tenant, without the need for solicitors or complicated legal drafting.
Can you find better tenants by self-letting?
No one cares about your property as much as you do.
When viewings are outsourced, landlords rely on second-hand opinions and rushed summaries. When you handle viewings yourself, you can properly get to know your future tenant.
Viewings allow you to assess communication, attitude and suitability, things that cannot be captured in a checklist. Small interactions often reveal far more than an agent's feedback ever could.
What tenant checks are included when you self-let?
Self-letting does not mean increased risk. Once you have identified a tenant you are comfortable with, online platforms carry out thorough checks to verify that everything stacks up, including:
- Affordability checks
- Employment and income verification
- Identity validation
- Rental history checks
- Reference verification
This ensures tenants can afford the rent, have a proven track record and that everything they have stated is accurate. There is a full breakdown in Tenant referencing: why it really matters and how we handle it.
Does self-letting take too much time?
One of the most common reasons landlords avoid self-letting is the belief that it takes too much time.
This is no longer true.
Modern self-letting platforms are highly organised and automated. All enquiries, messages, viewings and applications are managed in one place, with real-time updates throughout the process. It takes on average 15 minutes to advertise a property on Hello Neighbour's platform.
Gone are missed calls, unanswered messages and confusion caused by word-of-mouth feedback. Many landlords find self-letting less time-consuming than managing a letting agent.
Is self-letting the modern way to rent property?
Self-letting is no longer a niche option. It is a practical, efficient and cost-effective way to rent property in today's market.
All you need to do is upload your property details. From there, the platform advertises your rental on the UK's most visited property portals, supports you through compliance and helps you secure the right tenant.
Self-letting is not the risky option. It is the smarter one.
Ready to try it? List your property from £29 or get in touch if you would like to understand more.
Self-letting FAQs
Is self-letting legal in the UK?
Yes. Self-letting is completely legal. Landlords must meet the same legal requirements whether they self-let or use a letting agent.
Is self-letting safe?
Yes. When using a reputable online platform, self-letting can be safer because compliance steps, documentation and tenant checks are built into the process.
Does self-letting take more time?
No. Modern platforms automate most tasks and provide real-time visibility, often making self-letting quicker than managing an agent.
Do I still need gas, electrical and energy certificates?
Yes. All landlords must hold valid EPCs, EICRs and Gas Safety Certificates regardless of how the property is let.
Can I find good tenants without a letting agent?
Yes. Landlords who conduct their own viewings and use professional referencing tools often find better long-term tenants.
Is self-letting suitable under the Renters' Rights Act?
Yes. Online platforms are designed to reflect current legislation and support landlords as regulations evolve.
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