The London landlord's guide to letting your property
A practical, step by step guide to legal requirements, compliance, pricing and management.
Start here
Your next step
Every landlord's situation is different. Pick what's most relevant to you.
I'm thinking of letting
Considering renting out a property? Start with the full roadmap.
I need to prepare my property
Safety checks, EPC, marketing. Get your property ready to rent.
I'm worried about compliance
Gas safety, EICR, deposits, licensing. Understand your legal duties.
I want help with management
See how your property is performing and where Letio can help.
I'm comparing agents or thinking of switching
Self-manage vs a letting agent. See the real trade-offs.
The complete journey
Your letting roadmap
Eight stages from permissions and compliance through to ongoing management.
Check mortgage, lease, and insurance permissions
Before anything else, confirm you’re allowed to let the property. If you have a residential mortgage, you’ll need Consent to Let from your lender or a switch to a buy-to-let mortgage. Check your lease too, as some leases restrict subletting, and swap standard home insurance for dedicated landlord cover.
Understand your legal and safety requirements
The UK rental sector is regulated. As a minimum, you’ll need an EPC (minimum E rating), an annual Gas Safety Certificate, an EICR every 5 years, smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms where needed. You must also register on the PRS Database and join the Landlord Ombudsman scheme under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Prepare the property for tenants
Make sure the property is fit for habitation: free from hazards like faulty wiring, damp, mould and structural issues. Complete necessary repairs before tenants move in. Decide whether to let furnished or unfurnished (young professionals and students often prefer furnished; families may prefer unfurnished). Even unfurnished rentals typically include white goods like a fridge and washing machine. Small touches like fresh paint and updated light fixtures can add real value.
Set the right rent
Pricing too high leads to long void periods. Pricing too low leaves money on the table. Research comparable properties on Rightmove and Zoopla, consider local demand, and factor in the property’s condition and location. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, you must state a specific rent when advertising and cannot accept bids above that amount. Rent can only be increased once per year via a Section 13 notice with two months’ written notice.
Market the property effectively
Create a compelling listing with high-quality photos and a detailed description. List on major platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla for maximum visibility. Consider professional photography and 3D virtual tours, which attract more interest and help secure quality tenants faster. Many London properties have intense competition, so presentation matters.
Vet and select the right tenants
A thorough screening process should include reference checks from previous landlords, employment and income verification, and a credit check. You must also complete Right to Rent checks to verify tenants have legal status to rent in the UK. Consider requesting a guarantor for additional financial security.
Protect the deposit and set up the tenancy
Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Since 1 May 2026, all tenancies are rolling periodic tenancies with no fixed end date, and you must give tenants a written statement of terms plus the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet. A detailed inventory and schedule of condition helps avoid disputes later.
Manage repairs, compliance, and renewals
Once tenants are in, your responsibilities continue: repairs, maintenance, regular inspections, and staying on top of recurring compliance deadlines. Budget around 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, and register for Self Assessment with HMRC if rental income exceeds £1,000 a year.
Don't miss a thing
The London landlord compliance checklist
Tick these off before your first tenant moves in.
Gas Safety
AnnualAnnual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Certificate (CP12) provided to tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before move-in. Retained for 2 years.
Electrical Safety / EICR
Every 5 yearsElectrical Installation Condition Report by a qualified electrician. Remedial work on C1/C2/FI faults within 28 days. Copy provided to tenants.
EPC
Every 10 yearsValid Energy Performance Certificate with minimum E rating to let legally. Free copy provided at marketing. Minimum C rating expected by 2030.
Smoke & CO Alarms
Each tenancySmoke alarms on every storey. Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. Test before each new tenancy begins.
Deposit Protection
Within 30 daysProtect the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme (DPS, mydeposits, or TDS) within 30 days. Serve prescribed information to the tenant.
Right to Rent
Before tenancyVerify each tenant’s immigration status and right to rent in the UK. Checks must be completed and recorded before the tenancy begins.
Property Licensing
Check locallyMany London boroughs operate selective or additional licensing schemes, even for single-let flats. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with 5+ unrelated occupants forming 2+ households. Check with your local council.
Renters' Rights Act 2026
New: in forceFrom 1 May 2026: register on the PRS Database, join the Landlord Ombudsman scheme, serve the Information Sheet to tenants, use rolling periodic tenancies (no fixed terms), and follow new rent increase rules (Section 13 only).
Compliance rules change frequently. This checklist reflects requirements as of August 2026. Always verify current obligations with your local council or a qualified professional.
Free tool
Not sure where your property stands?
The Letio Landlord Toolkit is a free tool for London landlords. It helps you assess how your property is performing and how Letio might help you save time, hassle or money.
Major change
The Renters' Rights Act: what changed in 2026
Major changes to UK rental law came into force on 1 May 2026. If you’re letting a property, you need to understand these changes from day one.
No more Section 21. Landlords can no longer evict without a reason. Possession requires a valid Section 8 ground, with notice periods that are in many cases 4 months, though shorter for some grounds.
End of fixed-term tenancies. All tenancies are now rolling periodic tenancies with no end date. Tenants can leave with 2 months’ notice.
Rent bidding banned. You must state a specific rent when advertising and cannot accept higher offers. Rent increases are limited to once per year via Section 13 notice with 2 months’ notice.
No more than one month’s rent upfront, before the tenancy agreement is signed.
Pets are a right. Tenants can request to keep a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
No discrimination. You cannot refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
Mandatory registration. All landlords must register on the PRS Database and join the Landlord Ombudsman scheme.
Make the right call
Self-manage vs. letting agent
Should you manage the rental yourself or use an agent? This comparison lays out the real trade-offs so you can decide what works for your situation.
Letio vs. OpenRent: a comparison for London landlords
A full breakdown of what you get (and give up) going the DIY route on OpenRent versus using a managed agent like Letio.
Go deeper
Want to go deeper?
Browse Letio's knowledge hub of 109 articles from the frontline of the London rental market.
Getting started
Checklist for new landlords: What to know renting out your first property
Becoming a landlord for the first time is an exciting step toward generating passive income and building financial security. However, the process…
Feb 2025Tips for new landlords: Getting started in the UK rental market
Are you considering becoming a landlord in the UK? Congratulations on taking the first step towards entering the thriving and lucrative rental…
Jan 2024The accidental landlord’s checklist for 2026
London’s rental market has changed rapidly over the past few years. Higher tenant expectations, tighter regulation, and increased competition from build-to-rent schemes…
Jan 2026Compliance & legal
Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act: What Landlords Need to Know in 2026
The private rental sector (PRS) is entering an era of major reform. The Renters’ Rights Act will take effect from 1 May…
Apr 2026A landlord’s guide to gas, electrical, and fire safety
As a landlord in the UK, ensuring the safety of your tenants is not just a legal obligation but also a moral…
Sep 2024Demystifying EICRs: Compliance for London landlords
As a landlord in London, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants is paramount. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is…
May 2024The Right to Rent Check: A guide for London landlords
Navigating the complexities of renting properties in London can be daunting. Among the many regulations landlords must follow, the Right to Rent…
Jun 2024What is an EPC? Energy Performance Certificates for London rentals
Are you a landlord in London? If so, you’ve likely heard of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). These certificates have become a crucial…
Jun 2024Preparing your property
Furnished vs unfurnished rentals: A guide for landlords
Navigating the rental market, especially in bustling locales like London, can be a complex endeavour for landlords. One critical decision that arises…
Jul 2024How to value a rental property in the UK
Understanding how to value a rental property is crucial for investors, landlords, and real estate professionals who want to buy, sell, or…
Feb 20247 ways to increase the value of your rental property
Keeping your rental property in top shape is crucial for attracting quality tenants and maximising your return on investment. Whether you’re a…
Aug 2024Finding & keeping tenants
How to choose the right tenant: A landlord’s guide to smart letting
Choosing the right tenant can make or break your experience as a landlord. In a market as competitive and fast-moving as London’s,…
Jun 2025How to quickly find quality tenants: Key tips for landlords
Finding quality tenants quickly is crucial to minimising void periods and ensuring a stress-free rental experience. Attracting reliable tenants requires a combination…
Nov 2024Sourcing corporate tenants: a practical guide for UK landlords
For many UK landlords, the idea of a reliable, professional tenant who stays longer, pays on time, and looks after the property…
Jan 2026Tenant retention: Keeping tenants happy and reducing turnover
As a landlord, tenant retention is one of the most effective ways to ensure consistent rental income and reduce the hassle of…
Oct 2024Let's talk
Book a landlord call
Letio is here to help you reach your property goals. Our expert team is ready to support you through every step, from compliance and pricing to tenant finding and full management.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Tailored advice for your property and situation
- Clear, transparent pricing.
Get in touch
Tell us about your property and we'll be in touch.
Powered by technology & driven by people
Letio, 123 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SH
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
Web Design by Yellowball