Landlord Guides

There are four common ways to rent out your property. The right choice depends on how involved you want to be, how much time you have, and how much you want to spend.

• DIY (self-managed): You do everything yourself — create the listing, handle enquiries/viewings/offers, arrange checks, and manage the tenancy.
• Tenant-find only (agent): An agent finds the tenant, then you manage the tenancy after move-in. Usually a one-off fee + VAT.
• Fully managed (agent): The agent handles marketing, move-in, rent collection, and day-to-day management for an ongoing monthly fee + VAT.
• Guaranteed rent / rent-to-rent: A company becomes your tenant and sub-lets the property. Terms vary—check responsibilities for repairs, voids, and compliance.

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DIY via MyLittleEye

• Pros: lowest landlord selling/letting costs; full control over tenant choice, terms, and timings.
• Costs with us: listing + optional referencing bundle typically < £100 total.
• Cons: you handle enquiries, viewings, checks, move-in, and ongoing management/compliance.
• Best for: local landlords, simple lets, confident with processes or using trusted trades.

Agent options

• Tenant-find: one-off fee (often % of annual rent) for marketing, viewings, offer negotiation, and move-in paperwork.
• Fully managed: ongoing % of monthly rent; they handle rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination, and legal renewals.

Other letting costs (apply to both DIY & agent)

• Referencing/credit checks (tenants/guarantors).
• Deposit protection (register within the deadline and serve prescribed information).
• Inventory, check-in/out with photos/video for fair deductions later.
• Safety & compliance: gas safety (annual, if gas), EICR (typically 5-yearly), smoke/CO alarms, EPC (valid 10 years).
• Cleaning/minor repairs before move-in; landlord insurance (buildings + optional rent guarantee).

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• Photos: aim for 8–12 bright, daytime images + a clear floorplan.
• Must-have info: rent, deposit, EPC band, council tax band, key features, transport, local highlights.
• Who it suits: family vs sharers vs students; pets policy; accessibility notes — be explicit and fair.
• Transparency on MyLittleEye: your advert shows verification status so applicants can assess risk.

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• Students? Families? Professional sharers? Over-55/60 schemes?
• Pets policy; accessibility notes if relevant.
• Preferred move-in date and ideal tenancy length (e.g., 12 months with break).

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• Access & slots: batch viewings; be flexible on times. If tenanted, give proper notice.
• Local context: transport, shops, schools, parks and any house quirks.
• Safety: meet in daylight where possible; keep comms on-platform.

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• Always counter rather than reject (e.g., longer term for a small rent delta).
• Run the maths on voids; target rent should include a sensible contingency.

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• ID & address; affordability (income ≥ ~2.5–3× rent) or guarantor.
• Landlord reference; credit/history or bank statements.
• Right to Rent (England) for all adult occupiers.

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Holding deposit: optional (clear written terms; when refundable/forfeited).

Tenancy deposit: capped by law (England: typically up to 5 weeks’ rent; 6 weeks if annual rent ≥ £50k). Protect in an approved scheme and serve prescribed information on time.

Agreement: usually an AST; include rent due date, term/breaks, occupants, repair reporting, pet rules, and any special terms.

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• Inventory with photos; meter readings; keys list—sign within a few days of move-in.
• Safety docs: gas safety (if gas), EICR, EPC, smoke/CO alarms tested.
• Welcome info: bin days, stopcocks, manuals, Wi-Fi, emergency contact route.

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