Hello Neighbour Insights

Self-Letting a Property: Why Letting Your Property Yourself Is Easier, Cheaper and Safer Than Using a Letting Agent

Written by Richard Jenkins | Feb 9, 2026 10:08:21 AM

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.

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 mins. 

Why Self-Letting Is Better Than 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

Save Money by Self-Managing Your Rental Property

Traditional letting agents typically charge between 10% and 15% of monthly rent, alongside setup fees, renewal fees and additional administration charges. Over the lifetime of a tenancy, the secosts 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.

Rental Compliance Made Simple - Even 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.

Professional Tenancy Agreements - Done for You

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.

Why You’re More Likely to Find the Right Tenant When You Self-Let

No one cares about your property asmuch 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 can’t be captured in a checklist. Small interactions often reveal far more than an agent’s feedback ever could.

Technology Does the Due Diligence - Properly

Self-letting does not mean increased risk. Once you’ve identified a tenant, you’re 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.

The Time Myth: “I haven’t got the 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 theprocess. It takes on average 15 mins 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 findself-letting less time-consuming than managing a letting agent.

Self-Letting Is 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 isn’t the risky option.

It’s the smarter one.

Get in touch if you would like to understand more.

Frequently Asked Questions AboutSelf-Letting

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 aletting 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 andenergy 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 aletting agent?

Yes. Landlords who conduct their own viewings and use professional referencing tools often find better long-termtenants.

Is self-letting suitable under the Renters’ Rights Act?

Yes. Online platforms are designed toreflect current legislation and support landlords as regulations evolve.